Cristiano Ronaldo hugged by fan as Portugal win Euro 2019 qualifier

Lisbon, Portugal –

Cristiano Ronaldo was hugged by a fan as Portugal smothered Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-0 for a third victory in as many qualifying matches for Euro 2024 on Saturday.

Midfielder Bruno Fernandes scored twice to set up Bernardo Silva to break the deadlock in minute 44 of an evenly contested first half.

Fernandes put the result beyond doubt with goals in the 77th and stoppage time.

Ronaldo, who made his 199th appearance for Portugal, did not contribute to the men’s record of 122 international goals, but he was present in a touching moment when a fan stormed onto the pitch with a Portuguese flag in the second half. The man gave Ronaldo a bear hug and lifted him high. Ronaldo hugged him too, before the fan ran to avoid the guards.

Portugal leads Group J by nine points, two more than Slovakia, who defeated Iceland 2-1.

This was the third game since former Belgium coach Roberto Martinez took over after the departure of Fernando Santos after the World Cup. Portugal defeated minnows Luxembourg and Liechtenstein in Martinez’s first two matches. His team has not yet conceded a goal on his watch.

Silva put the hosts ahead when he chipped up and coming goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj after Fernandes played him clear. Ronaldo played a part in the opener by making a pass to Fernandes just before his assist.

However, Bosnia and Herzegovina could have easily taken the lead by half time thanks to the disciplined defense that kept Portugal in check until Silva’s goal.

But when a cross fell to an unmarked Edin Dzeko in the 30th, he volleyed it well over the crossbar from Diogo Costa’s goal.

Fernandes secured the three points when he went unmarked to use a powerful header and turn in Ruben Neves’ cross.

Luxembourg also defeated Liechtenstein 2-0 at home.

Luxembourg finished third in the group with four points. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland both have three. Liechtenstein has zero.

The top two finishers qualify for the tournament in Germany.