Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal in this World Cup qualifying campaign as Portugal claimed a victory against Luxembourg on Tuesday (Mar 30). Portugal, who conceded an early goal, came from behind to beat Luxembourg 3-1 eventually. The victory lifted Portugal to the top of Group A on seven points, while Luxembourg are third with three points.
Diogo Jota and Cristiano Ronaldo scored to help spare Portugal's blushes and deny Luxembourg another major World Cup 2022 qualifying win.
Luxembourg beat Republic of Ireland on Saturday and led the European champions through Gerson Rodrigues' header. But forward Jota headed home in the final attack of the first half.
Ronaldo tapped in early in the second half to turn the tide in Portugal's favour, with Joao Palhinha glancing in a header to seal the win.
Before that Jota had gone close with a header that hit the bar, while Ronaldo could have had a second goal himself, but failed twice to beat home goalkeeper Anthony Moris after running clear of the defence.
What at one stage looked to be a night of such promise for Luxembourg ended with them reduced to 10 men as Maxime Chanot was shown a second yellow for a foul on Renato Sanches.
The win takes Portugal to seven points in qualifying Group A, level with Serbia, with whom they controversially drew 2-2 at the weekend.
