Portugal 5-1 Poland: Seleçao Player Ratings as Ronaldo and Leao star in a five-star second half performance | UEFA Nations League
Portugal rallied to thrash Poland 5-1 at the Estadio do Dragao in the UEFA Nations League on Friday, November 15. They scored all five of their goals in the second half to secure their progress to the next round with 13 points from five games, while the Poles are fourth with four points from five matches.
Portugal made a good start to the first half as they dominated possession with 66% of the ball. Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes got in the referee's book midway through the first half as frustration crept in with Poland defending well. The visitors even attempted six shots despite less possession, with three of those on target.
The hosts, on the other hand, attempted six shots as well, but failed to hit the target altogether in a lackluster first half performance. Poland wing-back Bartosz Bereszynski was subbed off after picking up an injury, while Cristiano Ronaldo received a late booking in the first half as Portugal and Poland were goalless at the break.
Manager Roberto Martinez made the decision to bring on Vitinha and it paid great dividends for Portugal as their attack improved in fluidity and directness. Rafael Leao opened the scoring in the 59th minute after Nuno Mendes' assist. Ronaldo then converted a penalty in the 72nd minute to make it 2-0.
The hosts then went on a seven-minute scoring spree to blow Poland away and secure the result in thumping fashion. Vitinha bagged his first assist as he set up Bruno Fernandes for 3-0 in the 80th minute. Ronaldo then bagged an assist as he set up Pedro Neto to make it 4-0 to Portugal just three minutes after scoring the third.
Ronaldo then got on the scoresheet for his brace, assisted by Vitinha, to complete a thourough rout of Poland. Polish substitute Dominik Marczuk did grab a late consolation goal as the hosts secured a dominant 5-1 win.
On that note, let's take a look at Portugal's player ratings.
Portugal Player Ratings
Diogo Costa - 7.5/10
Costa made five saves throughout this game for his team and was unlucky to lose his clean sheet late on. He also played five long balls to open up the play for his team.
Diogo Dalot - 7.5/10
Dalot won two duels, making one clearance and one interception in a composed defensive performance. He also played one key pass and attempted two shots but failed to hit the target.
Antonio Silva - 7/10
Silva was busy at the back as he won five duels, making two interceptions and one clearance. He also passed the ball with 97% accuracy.
Renato Veiga - 6/10
Veiga won just one of six duels and was dispossessed three times in a subpar performance for his team.
Nuno Mendes - 7.5/10
Mendes played two key passes, including an assist for the hosts' first goal just before the hour-mark. He also won one duel.
Joao Neves - 6/10
Neves had a poor first half and was booked in the 25th minute, leading to him being subbed off at the break.
Bernardo Silva - 7/10
Silva passed the ball with 90% accuracy, including one key pass. He also won five duels in a good performance.
Pedro Neto - 8.5/10
Neto passed the ball with an impressive 96% accuracy, playing three key passes and one accurate cross as he sliced through Poland's defences. He scored his team's fourth goal as well.
Bruno Fernandes - 8/10
Fernandes had an eventful match as he scored a goal and was also booked. He played three key passes and won three duels as well.
Rafael Leao - 8.5/10
Leao scored the opening goal of the game for his team and also played one key pass. He completed two dribbles past opponents and won seven duels as well.
Cristiano Ronaldo - 9/10
Ronaldo had a great game as he scored his team's second and fifth goals, and provided an assist for their fourth. The last goal was spectacular as he scored a scissor kick to wow the home fans. He also won six duels and completed two dribbles in a dominant performance.
Substitutes
Vitinha - 8.5/10
Vitinha's substitution turned out to be a master-stroke for Portugal by Martinez as he provided two assists. He also played two other key passes to advance the match and won two duels as well.
Samuel Costa - 6/10
Costa replaced Bernardo but could not impact the match positively.
Francisco Trincao, Joao Felix and Nuno Tavares - N/A
The trio came on late in the match and did not play enough minutes to warrant a rating.