Portugal player ratings vs Liechtenstein: Cristiano Ronaldo keeps on finding the net! Ageless captain provides vital spark as sluggish Selecao snatch narrow win

Cristiano Ronaldo played hero to salvage an otherwise unsteady Portugal performance, grabbing the opening goal in a 2-0 win over Liechtenstein. Although the Selecao kept a clean sheet — and outshot their opponents 29-5 — this was hardly a crisp showing. Martinez's side often struggled to carve out chances, and will feel this should have been a far more comfortable win.

Portugal created little in the first half, often frustrated by a diligent defensive setup from the hosts. The Selecao tallied 14 shots, but only put four on target in the opening period. Ronaldo came closest at the end of the half, driving an effort directly at Benjamin Buchel in stoppage time.

The captain's opener was something of a throwback, the winger scampering down the left channel before rifling a shot past a helpless goalkeeper. Joao Cancelo added a second soon after, curling home a fine finish after a Buchel blunder. Goncalo Ramos had a third ruled out to cap off a slightly frustrating night.

Portugal really should have made this easier. With nearly 200 spots separating these two sides in the FIFA rankings, the Selecao shouldn't have needed so long to find the net, or waited so long to pull away after that. Still, with Euro 2024 qualification nailed down, this was effectively a runout for a side that might be in with a shout to make some noise next summer — especially if their main man is still leading the line.

GOAL rates Portugal's players from Rheinpark Stadion...