Roberto Martinez praised Cristiano Ronaldo’s experience as the 38-year-old netted two goals in Portugal’s 6-0 rout of Luxembourg.
On Sunday at the Stade de Luxembourg, Ronaldo scored another brace as Portugal clinched their second victory in the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, following his previous brace against Liechtenstein on Thursday.
Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, and Otavio scored the remaining goals, and Martinez wasted no time in commending Ronaldo for his contributions during the Spaniard’s initial games as head coach.
Ronaldo improves his record as the best international goal-scorer with 122 goals
Martinez told reporters: “Cristiano has incredible international experience, probably unique as he is the only player [in the world] with 198 caps,”
Asked about the game, Martinez said: “I value the zero goals against more than the six goals, the penalty and the great attacking game we played here in Luxembourg.
“This game was not easy. What was important in both games was work and consistency.
“It wasn’t just changing some of the options. There are many options, it was more a change due to the physical demands.
“This was important to see Goncalo Inacio play well in the first game [v Liechtenstein], but for a young man, three days after a game, it was also important for him to rest.
“It was important to see Antonio Silva entering a very important position, getting on the ball and going up against Luxembourg’s attack.
“It was good to see Antonio Silva together with the experience of Ruben Dias and Danilo Pereira. And Rui Patricio was also very good, so the team was very strong defensively in this game.”
