Portugal have secured a spot in the first-ever Nations League finals after Cristiano Ronaldo netted a spectacular hat-trick against Switzerland at the Estadio do Dragao on Wednesday.The Juventus star converted a superb free-kick to give the hosts a lead in the first half of the game. Switzerland responded with an equaliser from Ricardo Rodriguez courtesy of a penalty awarded by the video assistant referee after the break.The game appeared to be heading to extra time as both sides struggled to find the back of the net. However, the ever-motivated Ronaldo fired two goals for Portugal to complete his hat-trick within two minutes. The hat-trick marks the Portuguese talisman's 53rd career hat-trick and takes his international goal tally to 88.The former Real Madrid forward's performances have earned praises from all quarters, with Portugal head coach Fernando Santos branding the 34-year-old as a "football genius" after the game.Santos told UEFA, "In terms of adjectives to describe Ronaldo's game – I've used many. I was his coach in 2003 and I could see where he'd go.""He's a genius. There's genius paintings and sculptures and he's a football genius.""When someone scores three goals, they are the difference maker. It was a tough game, it was well played – two sides who are very strong, playing to win.""They're strategically well organised, changing their formation. Their players know what they have to do on the pitch, limiting some of the gaps we'd thought about."Portugal now await to see who will emerge as their opponents as England are set to go head-to-head with the Netherlands for a final spot in the competition later today.Football fans have since taken to Twitter to address Ronaldo's man-of-the-match performance and his gigantic influence in the Portugal national team.That Ronaldo fella is something else. irrepressibly brilliant. Yet another hat-trick. 👏👏— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 5, 2019That moment when a Ronaldo hat-trick steers you into the #NationsLeague final on home soil...What a moment for Portugal fans! #PORSUI 🇵🇹🥰 pic.twitter.com/LLxrcI07KN— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) June 5, 2019A rare photo of Cristiano Ronaldo going through his hat-trick archives pic.twitter.com/Q04h6Cc7Tf— CR7 3-1 SWISS🍫⚽ (@AyyyToZeee) June 5, 2019Ronaldo scoring another hat-trick in a big game to send his team to yet another European final, why am I not surprised.— Ryan. (@Rygista) June 5, 2019Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick has led Portugal into yet another cup final,hate to say it unlike Messi Ronaldo stands out for both club and country. We're witnessing the greatest football era in history .— Pye Waw (@pyewaw) June 5, 2019At 34-years old, Cristiano Ronaldo just scored his 53rd career hat-trick.Mind-blowing numbers. ⚽🎩 pic.twitter.com/JfLNaeXdMs— Football Tweet (@Football__Tweet) June 5, 201925' 88' 90' Hat-trick RonaldoThis is his 53th career hat-trick 🐐He has scored hat-tricks in the World Cup, Champions League and the UEFA Nations League.Cristiano Ronaldo with Portugal is a different beast..even at the age of 34 carrying his team with pride 🐐 pic.twitter.com/o8ntKgZySW— Riziă 🇶🇦 (@_RIZmadridista) June 5, 2019Cristiano Ronaldo In last 12 months:Hat-trick in FIFA World CupHat-trick in UEFA Champions LeagueHat-trick in UEFA Nations LeagueFreak of nature. GOAT! pic.twitter.com/l3BCqJiXGm— SM (@SMFutboI) June 5, 2019Cristiano Ronaldo had a poor game and still scored a hat-trick! What a player! 👏— MUFC Scoop (@MUFCScoop) June 5, 2019Cristiano Ronaldo, some player, some numbers: 88 goals in 157 internationals, now scored in 10 international tournaments, 53rd hat-trick for clubs and country. Still so fit and hungry at 34, supremely efficient, the numbers will become even madder. #PORSUI #NationsLeague— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) June 5, 2019In the last 12 months, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored a hat-trick in the World Cup, Champions League and Nations League.34 years old. pic.twitter.com/i7H8VQqp4P— ⚽Prediction HQ (@Predictionhq) June 5, 2019Cristiano Ronaldo’s seventh hat-trick for Portugal has taken his international scoring tally to a staggering 8️⃣8️⃣.He’s also become the first player to score at 1️⃣0️⃣ major international tournaments in the process of leading his nation to the 2019 #UNL final. Legend. 🇵🇹🐐 pic.twitter.com/JF6yXW9Pu2— Lorenz Köhler (@Lorenz_KO) June 5, 2019