Ronaldo Inspires Portugal to 5-0 Rout of Armenia in Emotional World Cup Qualifier

PORTUGAL ROUTS ARMENIA IN EMOTIONAL WORLD CUP QUALIFIER YEREVAN, Armenia - Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to lead Portugal to a 5-0 victory over Armenia in their World Cup qualifying match on Saturday, marking a poignant day for the Portuguese team as they honored the memory of their late forward Diogo Jota. The match was played with a moment of silence observed by both teams before kickoff, paying tribute to Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who died in a car crash in July. Ronaldo's goals extended his record as the highest scorer in men's international football to 140, further cementing his legacy on the global stage. "It was an emotional day for us, but we knew we had to focus on the game," said Portugal coach Fernando Santos. "We're proud of our players for coming together and delivering a strong performance." The match marked the beginning of Portugal's qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup, with Ronaldo's presence expected to be a significant factor in their bid for a record sixth appearance. Ronaldo's goals were met with cheers from the Portuguese fans, who had traveled to Yerevan to support their team. The Armenian fans, meanwhile, showed respect and admiration for the Portuguese team, acknowledging the emotional weight of the day. The victory was Portugal's first under new coach Santos, who took over after the departure of Fernando Gomes in June. Santos has emphasized the importance of teamwork and unity in his approach, which seems to be paying off with a strong start to the qualifying campaign. Portugal's next match is scheduled for September 9 against Luxembourg, while Armenia will face Switzerland on October 10. In related news, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his condolences to the Portuguese team and fans following the loss of Jota and Silva. "Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of Diogo and Andre," Infantino said in a statement. "We hope that this match serves as a reminder of the importance of football in bringing people together and transcending borders." The 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent history, with top teams from around the world vying for a spot in the tournament. Portugal's performance against Armenia sets a strong tone for their bid, but the road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging. As Ronaldo continues to break records and push boundaries on the global stage, his legacy is cemented as one of the greatest players of all time. The question now is whether he can lead Portugal to another World Cup appearance, and what other milestones he might achieve in the process. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*