Fans on Twitter have been left mightily impressed by Cristiano Ronaldo's build-up play in the opening exchanges of Portugal's FIFA World Cup qualifier against Turkey.
The Manchester United forward played a key role as the hosts took the lead against Turkey as early as the 15th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo produced a well-timed run to get in behind the visitors' defense to latch onto a perfect pass from Joao Moutinho.
After drifting wide towards the right side of the penalty area, the Portugal captain then squared an excellent pass to Diogo Jota with the outside of his foot. Jota dribbled past his man before finding Raphael Guerreiro, who unleashed an attempt from outside the box that hit the woodwork.
Luckily for Portugal, the deflection off the frame of the goal fell kindly to Otavio and the midfielder buried it into the back of the net to send the crowd into a delirium of noise.
Although it was Otavio who gave the hosts the lead in their crucial World Cup qualifier, fans were quick to notice how the move started with Cristiano Ronaldo.
One fan tweeted:
"Ronaldo so raw no way people think all he can offer is goals"
Here are some of the other reactions after Ronaldo stamped his influence on the World Cup qualifier against Turkey:
Just before half-time, Jota doubled the advantage for his team with an excellent downward header after a cross from Otavio. Fernando Santos' men have maintained their two-goal cushion at the end of the first half.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal could face Italy in the World Cup playoff final if they beat Turkey
Should they keep hold of their 2-0 lead or add more to it while keeping Turkey at bay, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal will face either Italy or North Macedonia in the final.
Fernando Santos' men will fancy their chances against any opposition considering the amount of talent in their ranks. Further, Ronaldo's presence is always an extra boost for any team. The 37-year-old might play his last World Cup in Qatar, should Portugal qualify for the event.
Last summer, Ronaldo secured a blockbuster comeback to Manchester United. However, the Portuguese has not enjoyed a fairytale return to his former club. The Red Devils have failed to win silverware this season and face a real battle to secure Champions League qualification for next term.
It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Ronaldo at Manchester United.
Jamirl
823
Ronaldo played well today, despite not scoring he's just unlucky in today's game,the team won and that's all that matters it's not the end of the world they are many games to score he could score possibly more than we expect him to
AmoGmanchester
629
Incredible CR7 the G.O.A.T
cr7always
536
Psg barca fans thought like cr7 fucking doing here.. It's Europe WCQ not a South America.... Asia WCQ bettar Than South America WCQ...... cr7. Is always real great of all time goat
ManUtdAmadDialo
268
I have seen a lot of fake forced smiles, but this one is beyond[Crylaugh] someone wished it was him who saved Portugal tonight, but as usual it's the young guns who saved his ass again[Crylaugh]
Yajiv_Vj
211
Anyone who watched the match with some football sense can deny these statements right away..... He wanted to be on the score sheet so badly, that after the 2 goals, he simply kept himself offside mostt of the times waiting for oppotunities..... And got frustrated not getting chances, not receiving passes in final 3rd..... He did start the game pretty well, got involved in build up play, kept the ball in possession.. But, he's once he thought the team was settled, he wanted to score scoree and got frustrated abt it... If yu had seen him wandering in the 2nd half, most of the times he held his hands sideways, looking down, disappointed, not tracking back, instead feels bad abt goal chances and stays offside.....
ManUtdAmadDialo
24
Octavio must be really shocked about who grabbed the headlines after his display[Crylaugh] Of all the people it's the ghost ronaldo who got his ass saved tonight😂 cr5 boys can kil u with laughter, they would even praise their self proclaimed goat for taking off his shirt[Crylaugh]
Subhomadridista
11
I have seen a lot of fake forced smiles, but this one is beyond[Crylaugh] someone wished it was him who saved Portugal tonight, but as usual it's the young guns who saved his ass again[Crylaugh]
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but he will go to world cup cry more