Ronaldo, Sanches hit woodwork as Portugal draws with Spain

Cristiano Ronaldo and Renato Sanches came close scoring the winner as Spain and Portugal settled for a goalless draw in international friendly on Wednesday.

Published : Oct 08, 2020 08:54 IST

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a stunning hat-trick against Spain in a memorable group-stage clash in the 2018 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a stunning hat-trick against Spain in a memorable group-stage clash in the 2018 World Cup.
lightbox-info

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a stunning hat-trick against Spain in a memorable group-stage clash in the 2018 World Cup.

Portugal had to settle for a 0-0 draw at home to Spain in a heavyweight friendly on Wednesday after hammering the crossbar twice and missing a last-gasp open goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who hit a hat-trick when the two sides met in a thrilling 2018 World Cup group stage game, almost gave the European champion the lead when he sent a shot crashing against the underside of the bar early in the second half.

Midfielder Renato Sanches went even closer moments later with a first-time shot at goal.

He also hit the bottom of the bar before running away to celebrate, only to see the ball bounce on the goalline without crossing it.

 

Portugal's most glaring chance was still to come though, when Ruben Semedo headed a corner to the far post towards Joao Felix, who got the weakest of touches and somehow missed the target with the goal gaping in front of him.

 

Some 2,500 fans watched the game from inside Sporting's Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, which was at 5% capacity, the first elite match in Portugal to allow spectators back in since the coronavirus pandemic began to disrupt world football in March.

Spain coach Luis Enrique fielded an experimental starting 11, leaving out captain Sergio Ramos and handing a first international start to 19-year-old central defender Eric Garcia while midfielders Dani Ceballos and Sergio Canales also made rare starts for the national team.

Adama Traore and Jose Campana came off the bench in the second half to make their Spain debuts.

Other Results:

Italy beat Moldova: 6-0

Germany drew Turkey: 3-3

Mexico beat Netherlands: 1-0

France beat Ukraine: 7-1

Croatia beat Switzerland: 2-1

 

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment