Luxembourg 1-3 Portugal: 5 talking points as Cristiano Ronaldo gets off the mark | 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Portugal come from behind to beat Luxembourg, with Cristiano Ronaldo back on the scoresheet.
Portugal come from behind to beat Luxembourg, with Cristiano Ronaldo back on the scoresheet.

#3 Diogo Jota is shaping up well for Liverpool's home stretch

Jota scored another goal for Portugal
Jota scored another goal for Portugal

It's no secret that Liverpool's prolific attacking triumvirate has misfired badly this season. But the current form of Portugal's Diogo Jota should inspire some hope for the Reds ahead of the home stretch of their campaign.

The striker, who scored a brace against Serbia last weekend, was on target for the reigning European champions once again.

While his overall performance left a lot to be desired, Jota showed how deadly he could be if given proper service. After recently returning from a lengthy injury spell at the start of the month, the former Wolves hitman now has four goals in six games for club and country.

At this rate, the 24-year old could become a key player for Liverpool in the remainder of their campaign.


#4 Is Gerson Rodrigues the man to lead Luxembourg in the qualifiers?

Gerson Rodrigues has been the surprise package in this month's qualifiers.
Gerson Rodrigues has been the surprise package in this month's qualifiers.

We're barely three games into the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the UEFA zone, but there have already been shocking results aplenty.

Luxembourg's stunning victory against Ireland takes the cake, while Gerson Rodrigues is scripting his own history too. He netted the winner in Dublin at the weekend and put his team in front against the reigning European champions on the night.

Not bad for a player who's yet to play in any of Europe's top five leagues in his career!

But can he guide the Red Lions into the second round? At least, he's got the talent to trouble the big sides.

Quick, versatile, strong in the air and technically gifted, Rodriguez, born in Portugal, has been the star of his side so far. He can cause plenty of trouble for the other teams in this qualifying group going forward.


#5 Portugal's Joao Cancelo is the real deal

The best right-back currently?
The best right-back currently?

While the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Jota will garner all the plaudits, Manchester City fans can be proud of their man Joao Cancelo too.

The Portugal full-back was on fire once again in Luxembourg as he turned in a complete performance. Defensively, he was an indomitable force, never allowing the home side to create anything from his flank as he completed four tackles.

Even going forward, Cancelo provided constant width and playmaking flair from the wings and also laid two key passes.

Indeed, it was his cross that found Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal's second of the night, just one of many he produced over the course of the game.

After struggling to find his feet at the Etihad in his first season, Joao Cancelo has peaked this campaign and has continued that form on the international stage too.

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Edited by Bhargav