In the sixth round of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers Group F, Portugal delivered a dominant performance at home, defeating Armenia 9–1 thanks to hat-tricks from Bruno Fernandes and Neves.
Despite the absence of captain Cristiano Ronaldo due to suspension, Portugal showed overwhelming firepower against the vastly weaker Armenian side.
In the previous match, Portugal unexpectedly lost 0–2 to Ireland, with Ronaldo receiving a red card for retaliatory elbowing, which resulted in his suspension for this fixture.
Even so, fifth-ranked Portugal still fielded a star-studded lineup. Combined with home advantage, defeating 104th-ranked Armenia was never in doubt.
Five Goals in the First Half Sealed the Win Early
Portugal opened the scoring just seven minutes into the match when Veiga curled in a direct free kick. However, Armenia equalised in the 18th minute through a strike from captain Spertsyan.
Portugal quickly restored control, with Ramos and Bruno Fernandes each finding the net, while Neves added a brace. The hosts entered halftime with a commanding 5–1 lead.
Bruno Fernandes and Neves Complete Their Hat-Tricks
Portugal continued pressing relentlessly in the second half. In the 51st minute, Ramos delivered a diagonal pass, and Bruno Fernandes followed up with a precise finish into the far corner, extending the lead to 6–1.
In the 69th minute, Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty to complete his hat-trick. Neves then scored with a sliding finish in the 81st minute, securing his own “hat-trick.” Conceição added another goal in stoppage time, sealing the emphatic 9–1 victory.
Portugal Dominates Armenia in Every Statistical Category
Match statistics clearly showed Portugal’s complete superiority:
Shots: 34 vs. 4
Shots on target: 15 vs. 2
Possession: 75.5%
It was a one-sided contest from start to finish.
Parrott’s Stoppage-Time Winner Lifts Ireland to 3–2 Victory Over Hungary
In the group’s other key matchup, Ireland clinched a dramatic 3–2 away win over Hungary, with Parrott completing a stoppage-time hat-trick. Ireland earned their third consecutive victory and secured second place in the group, advancing to the playoffs.
Hungary struck early, with Lukács scoring in the 4th minute. In the 15th minute, Parrott equalised from the penalty spot, but Varga’s volley in the 37th minute restored Hungary’s lead. The hosts entered halftime ahead 2–1.
Ireland’s Late Comeback Seals the Win
Both sides continued to battle intensely in the second half. In the 80th minute, Parrott scored again to bring Ireland level at 2–2.
Deep into stoppage time (96th minute), Ireland’s goalkeeper launched a long ball from midfield. Scales rose to head it on, and Parrott made a well-timed run to finish the move, securing a 3–2 comeback victory for Ireland.
