Overview
- Bruno Fernandes and João Neves each scored hat-tricks in Porto, with Renato Veiga, Gonçalo Ramos and Francisco Conceição completing the rout.
- The victory sealed top spot in Group F and confirmed Portugal’s seventh consecutive World Cup appearance.
- Ronaldo served an automatic suspension after his dismissal against Ireland, and a FIFA disciplinary file could extend the ban into the World Cup; PFF president Pedro Proença says an appeal aims to minimize any added punishment.
- Coach Roberto Martinez insisted Portugal are better with Ronaldo, stressing squad depth and the need to win even when key players are absent.
- Ireland secured the group’s play-off place with Troy Parrott’s stoppage-time winner against Hungary.