Portugal 1-0 Azerbaijan: 5 talking points as European champions pick up 3 points | 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 

Portugal defeated Azerbaijan 1-0 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on Wednesday
Portugal defeated Azerbaijan 1-0 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on Wednesday

#3 Despite his mistake, Shakrudin Magomedaliyev brought his A-game to Turin

Portugal's Bruno Fernandes was denied with a stunning save late on
Portugal's Bruno Fernandes was denied with a stunning save late on

Shakhban Magomedaliyev was both a hero and villain for Azerbaijan against Portugal. His ill-advised decision to dive out and his subsequent weak punch saw the ball deflect off Medvedev for the opener.

However, beyond that, the 26-year-old was nearly unstoppable throughout the game and produced several fine saves in both halves to keep his side in the match.

Two quickfire saves in the first 10 minutes gave a foreboding of what was to come in the game. However, the Azerbaijan goalkeeper proved to be ready for everything Portugal threw at him.

His standout saves came in the second half when he showed great reflexes to get a fingertip to Bruno Fernandes' strike from the edge of the area. Joao Felix was also denied from six yards out when Cristiano Ronaldo played the Atletico Madrid star through on goal.

In total, the Qarabag goalkeeper made 14 saves in the game. Despite gifting Portugal the opener, he more than made amends for his first-half error.

#2 Nuno Mendes impresses on his Portugal debut

Nuno Mendes made his debut for Portugal
Nuno Mendes made his debut for Portugal

Portugal has one of the most talented pools of players on the international scene. The intense competition for places means that few are guaranteed their spot in the European championship.

In the last year, Nuno Mendes has emerged as one of the highest-rated prospects in European football, and his performances for Sporting Lisbon have led to interest from several elite clubs.

The 18-year-old had another opportunity to impress in Portugal's colors, having been handed his debut against Azerbaijan. Despite being surrounded by world-beaters on the international stage, Mendes did not miss a beat and was one of the standout players for Fernando Santos.

In total, the Sporting man made three key passes, had one interception and completed two tackles.

With most of Europe's elite clubs keeping a keen eye on him, Nuno Mendes did not disappoint and boosted his stock massively with a fine performance.

#1 Quiet game for Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo struggled to make an impact
Cristiano Ronaldo struggled to make an impact

The last fortnight has been one of mixed feelings for Cristiano Ronaldo. First, he suffered the ignominy of an early exit from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Porto. He followed that up with a complete hat-trick in the 3-1 victory over Cagliari.

What followed was another embarrassing defeat to Benevento, which all but ended the Bianconeri's hopes of winning a 10th Scudetto in a row.

The game against Azerbaijan offered the Portugal captain a chance to get back on track, but it was a rather frustrating evening for him.

A dogged defense kept him at bay for most of the game, and his best chances were limited to set-pieces that failed to trouble the Azerbaijan goal.

The second half saw Ronaldo show signs of fatigue, and he struggled to make a mark as the game wore on. His best piece of play came when he showed great skill to set Joao Felix up in the final 10 minutes. However, a splendid save by Magomedaliyev denied the Juventus man an assist.

Cristiano Ronaldo will have another chance to get back on track when Portugal travel to Belgrade on Saturday to take on Serbia.

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