The current UEFA Euro Champions may have struggled, but they ended securing their spot in the 2018 World Cup.
Their 2-0 win today against Switzerland saw them claim the top spot in Group B of the Qualifiers, with Cristiano Ronaldo being crucial to the feat. A Seleccao Das Quinas scored 32 goals in the process, with CR7 having a hand in 18 of them (15 goals, three assists). Now, the Portuguese side will play in their seventh World Cup, with five of those coming in consecutive editions, and did it without needing the playoffs for the first time since 2006.
As for Cristiano Ronaldo, travelling to Russia gives him a record no other Portuguese footballer can brag about.
Cristiano Ronaldo has now qualified to EVERY competition with Portugal.
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@TeamCRonaldo) October 10, 2017
Euro: 4/4
World Cup: 4/4.
pic.twitter.com/6b4RnMh1nf
If you still had doubts about how influential he's become for Portugal, these numbers might give you a good idea.
Before @Cristiano, #Portugal had qualified for six major tournaments in 73 years, since his debut they qualified for eight in 14 years. pic.twitter.com/LjB2uD7UQZ
— David Kappel (@kappilinho) October 10, 2017
Fans and experts celebrated Portugal's involvement in next year's competition. Have a look at their comments below.
The only game Portugal lost is the one game Ronaldo didn't play.
— Leah (@LeahVdc) October 10, 2017
Says it all
Great to see Portugal qualify. The World Cup needs its superstars. Hopefully tonight, Messi will join @Cristiano.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 10, 2017
Cristiano Ronaldo finished with 15 goals & 3 assists in just NINE matches to lead Portugal back to the World Cup. Insane production.
— Adam Joseph (@AdamJosephSport) October 10, 2017
Cristiano has carried Portugal (like always) to qualify for the World Cup, but kids on twitter trying to slander him for not scoring today
— A Portuguesa (@DQ7_Portuguesa) October 10, 2017
Portugal have now won 9 consecutive World Cup qualifiers.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 10, 2017
WWWWWWWWW
Goals: 32
Conceded: 2
Clean sheets: 7
Qualified. pic.twitter.com/TnEK8cbS2a