Overview

• Portugal opened World Cup qualifying with a 5-0 victory over Armenia in Yerevan, their first match since Diogo Jota and his brother died in a July car crash in Spain.
• A minute’s silence preceded kickoff and supporters displayed banners, while teammates marked goals with Jota-themed celebrations, including João Félix forming ‘21’ and João Cancelo’s trademark gamer pose.
• Rúben Neves honored his former Wolves and Portugal teammate by wearing Jota’s No. 21 shirt for the match.
• Cristiano Ronaldo netted a brace to extend his men’s international record to 140 goals, including a 21st‑minute strike and a long-range second, as Félix added two and Cancelo scored one.
• Ronaldo pointed to the sky in dedication after scoring, a moment noted after criticism he faced for not attending Jota’s funeral, which drew public defenses reported in Portuguese media and by his sister.