Ageless Ronaldo hits brace in Portugal’s five-star World Cup qualifier win

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved his enduring class, netting twice as Portugal stormed to a commanding 5–0 victory over Armenia in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

The 40-year-old forward struck in either half, underlining his crucial role in Portugal’s campaign.

João Félix also scored a brace, while João Cancelo added his name to the scoresheet in a game dominated by Roberto Martínez’s men.

Portugal opened the scoring early through Félix, who converted Cancelo’s precise cross with a towering header in the 10th minute.

Ronaldo doubled the lead 11 minutes later with a clinical finish from Pedro Neto’s delivery.

Cancelo made it 3–0 after pouncing on a rebound, leaving Armenia’s goalkeeper Henri Avagyan helpless.

Ronaldo’s second goal came moments after the restart with a thunderous strike from distance that swerved into the top corner, prompting disbelief from Avagyan.

Félix sealed the rout in the 61st minute, firing home after another rebound fell kindly in the box.

Portugal created several more chances, with João Neves twice denied by Avagyan and the woodwork, but the damage had long been done.

The result keeps Portugal firmly on track in their World Cup qualification campaign, while Armenia were left chasing shadows throughout.