Without Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal defeats Finland in a friendly to prepare for the European Championship

This Tuesday, in a preparatory friendly for the Euro Cup, Portugal, without Cristiano Ronaldo, beat Finland 4-2, at the José Alvalade Stadium. Rúben Dias, Diogo Jota and Bruno Fernandes (2) scored for the home team, while Pukki (2) scored a goal.

The Portuguese team did not have Cristiano Ronaldo, who played in the final of the Saudi King’s Cup for Al-Nassr last Friday and received a week off. The greatest scorer in Portugal’s history should be available to coach Roberto Martínez for the next match.

Portugal returns to the pitch this Saturday, at 1:45 pm (Brasília time), against Croatia, at Estádio do Jamor, in the last friendly before their debut in the European Championship. Finland visits Scotland at 3:45 pm on Friday, in the first round of the Nations League.

⏰ 95′ ENDS THE GAME!!!!

First test passed with 𝗦𝗨𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗢! ✅😌#SharingThePassion | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/oJIx3HnPnF

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 4, 2024

The score was opened by Portugal in the 17th minute of the opening stage. Rúben Dias took advantage of Vitinha’s cross from the right wing, beat the marker high up and headed hard, crossed, to score the first goal of the match.

The home team increased the gap in the 49th minute of the first half. Francisco Conceição was brought down by Ilmari Niskanen inside the area and the referee awarded a penalty. Diogo Jota hit and converted.

At 10 minutes into the second half, Portugal increased the gap. Francisco Conceição dominated on the right, entered the area and passed to Bruno Fernandes. The midfielder hit a beautiful first-time shot into Lukas Hradecky’s left corner.

Finland scored at 27 in the second half. After a counterattack, Pukki received a throw from Robin Lod, finished with his right leg and scored the visitors’ first goal in the game.

Finland pulled over in the 32nd minute of the second half. Matti Peltola found a pass between the opposing defense for Pukki. The striker shot high, crossed, and scored his second goal of the match.

Portugal, at 39 in the final stage, closed the score. Francisco Conceição dribbled past two markers in the small area and passed to Bruno Fernandes, who dominated and finished low, in the center of the opponent’s goal.