PORTUGAL 2 - SLOVAKIA 0
Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal pulled 3 points clear of Slovakia in their World Cup Qualification group by beating them!
In Pierluigi Collina's last International game (He was/is the best referee in the World), Ronaldo was at his scintillating best. The 20 year old Portuguese wonder-kid was named Man of the Match after the game - performing better than the great Luis Figo!
In a match that was dominated by the home team, Ronaldo proved to be the difference between the two nations - it was his jiggery-pokery that proved to be just too much for the resolute Slovakian defence to handle.
Portugal took the lead through Fernando Meira, who headed home a cross-field ball.
Ronaldo then doubled the lead with an outstanding free-kick. After Ronny himself had been fouled just outside the box, he stepped forward. He lofted the ball over the wall, and into the bottom corner of the net with such power and precision that the keeper had no chance.
After the break, the Ronaldo show continued, and the supporters were treated to more tricks, flicks and skills - but unfortunately no more goals!
The result leaves Portugal three points clear at the top of their group, with five games left to play (against far lesser opposition that Slovakia). Ronny should be at the World Cup 2006 in Germany!
Also, Ronny will have had plenty of time to try and persuade Luis Figo to get down to Old Trafford!
Ronny is not on holiday yet - he has one more game against Estonia on Wednesday before he can relax for a month!
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