Portugal 3-2 Slovakia: Player Ratings as Cristiano Ronaldo scores a brace in a thrilling win for the Selecao | Euro 2024 Qualifiers

Portugal defeated Slovakia 3-2 in the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers, securing their spot in the group stages of the competition in Germany next year.

The Selecao entered this contest on the back of a stunning run of form. They won each of their last six games, scoring 24 goals and conceding none in the process. Their last game was a 9-0 rout of Luxembourg as Cristiano Ronaldo missed out due to suspension.

Ronaldo was back in the starting XI as Roberto Martinez went with a full-strength lineup.

Portugal made a dominant start to the game as they kept possession in Slovakia's half, barely allowing them any opportunity of getting out. This resulted in an early goal as Bruno Fernandes' delicate pass was met with a thumping header by Goncalo Ramos to make it 1-0.

Dennis Vavro then handled the ball inside the penalty area and Portugal were awarded a spot-kick. Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up and scored to make it 2-0 midway through the first period.

The Selecao led 2-0 at the half-time interval.

Slovakia came out for the second half looking to find a way back into the game as they made a double change at the break. They pulled a goal back in the 69th minute as substitute Laszlo Benes provided an assist for David Hancko to score.

However, Portugal restored their two-goal cushion just three minutes later as Fernandes bagged his second assist of the night. He crossed the ball towards the far post where Cristiano Ronaldo tapped in to make it 3-1.

Slovakia grabbed another goal in the 80th minute to make things interesting. Ondrej Duda provided an assist for Stanislav Lobotka to make it 3-2.

The hosts withstood their visitors' late charge to secure a win that sealed their qualification for Euro 2024.

On that note, let's take a look at Portugal's player ratings.

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Portugal Player Ratings

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Diogo Costa - 6/10

Costa had a below par game between the sticks as he made a mistake that allowed Slovakia to score in the second period.

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Diogo Dalot - 6.5/10

Dalot had a decent game on the left flank and created one big chance.

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Ruben Dias - 6.5/10

Dias had a decent game as he won two duels, making four clearances and one interception. He also played four long balls.

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Antonio Silva - 7.5/10

Silva was the Selecao's standout defender and had a great game at the back. He won nine duels, making eight clearances, three tackles and one interception. He also played three long balls.

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Joao Cancelo - 6.5/10

Cancelo played on the right side and put in an average perforamance.

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Bruno Fernandes - 8.5/10

Fernandes was at his creative best and provided a lovely assist for Portugal's first goal after some quick footwork. He grabbed his second assist of the night with a pass across the face of goal towards Ronaldo. He was also booked for a foul in the 57th minute.

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Joao Palhinha - 6.5/10

Palhinha had a good game in midfield but was booked for a foul in the second period.

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Bernardo Silva - 7/10

Silva was active in and around the box as he played intricate passes with Bruno Fernandes. He won four duels, attempted two shots and played one key pass.

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Cristiano Ronaldo - 8.5/10

Ronaldo had a great game for Portugal as he scored a brace, with one goal from the penalty spot. The remaining five shots he attempted were all off-target, as he could have easily bagged a hat-trick.

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Goncalo Ramos - 7.5/10

Ramos gave his team the lead with a clinical header in the first period. He also won five duels and played two long balls.

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Rafael Leao - 6.5/10

Leao had a subpar game as he struggled to get involved in his team's attacking moves.

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Substitutes

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Joao Felix - 6.5/10

Felix replaced Leao in the second period and put in a decent shift.

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Otavio, Ruben Neves & Diogo Jota - N/A

The trio came on with very little time reamaining on the clock and did not play enough minutes to warrant a rating.