Synopsis: Portugal vs. Nigeria— Portugal completed their final FIFA World Cup preparations by defeating Nigeria in the warm-up game at Estadio Jose Alvalade in Portugal.
The Portuguese won 4-0 against the Super Eagles, thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes, Goncalo Ramos, and Joao Mario.
FIFA World Cup 2022 warmup HIGHLIGHTS: Portugal vs. Nigeria.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— Portugal completed their final FIFA World Cup preparations by defeating Nigeria in the warm-up game at Estadio Jose Alvalade in Portugal. Fernando Santos’ team will now travel to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from training and the game due to gastroenteritis.
Despite this, the Portuguese won 4-0 against the Super Eagles, thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes, Goncalo Ramos, and Joao Mario. Fernandes of Manchester United scored in the ninth minute. Fernandes’ penalty doubled the lead in the 35th minute.
Nigeria was awarded a penalty in the 81st minute, which Emmanuel Dennis failed to convert. Ramos tripled Portugal’s lead just a minute later, with Raphael Guerreiro assisting.
Joao Mario scored in the 84th minute to end the game and give Portugal a big boost before they fly to Qatar for the World Cup. Portugal’s group stage campaign kicks off on November 24th against Ghana.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— Kickoff
Antonio Silva, 19, made his debut. Fernando Santos will be hoping for a good game and, more importantly, to avoid any injuries. seasoned hand Rui Patricio will be the man behind the bar, as well as the captain’s arm band.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 3′
Nigeria makes a strong start and takes the first corner of the game. However, nothing comes of it. Portugal enters the game with a few back-to-back passes.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 6′
Bernardo Silva delicately sets up Felix on the edge of the box, but the Atletico Madrid man misses with a wild swipe.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 9′
Portugal progresses to the right. Diogo Dalot advances into the box and has plenty of time to find his Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes, who has an easy tap-in to complete. PORTUGAL 1-0 NIGERIA
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 12′
The Nigerian defence gave Dalot far too much time to pick out Bruno, making it far too easy for Portugal. After a promising start, Nigeria has faded.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 16′
Portugal comfortably dominates possession. Bruno comes close once more with a long-range speculative effort, with Uzoho merely a bystander. It’s a bit wide, but it’s got the fans excited.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 20′
Bruno is at it again, this time attempting to set up Felix with a back heel pass that does not reach the Atletico man. So far, Antonio Silva has performed admirably alongside Dias, which bodes well for him heading into the World Cup.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 24′
Uzoho nervously watches over the bar as Joao Felix attempts an outrageous long range shot. Portugal continues to press the Nigerian goal.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 35′
Portugal’s Bernardo Silva converts a penalty. A cross from the left wing strikes the arm of a Nigerian defender. Bruno takes a step forward and sends Uzoho the wrong way before rolling it in. PROTUGAL 2-0 NIGERIA
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 40′
Portugal is easily moving the ball around, while Nigeria is unable to close down sufficiently. Nuno Mendes is getting more opportunities to play on the left side of the field.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 45′
Nigeria advances into the box but is left stranded due to a faulty connection. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes has a chance to complete his hat-trick. He tries to manipulate a long ball past Uzoho but fails to get the right touch. The referee then signals the end of the half.
Beginning of Second half
Portugal makes several changes, including the addition of Pepe, a 39-year-old defender who replaces Ruben Dias. Raphael Guerero replaces Nuno Mendes.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 48′
Nigerian football now has a lot more purpose as it attacks from the left. The cross from the left, however, is too close to Patricio, and the veteran goalkeeper scoops it up.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 52′
Felix loses possession of the ball in a dangerous area, but Nigeria is unable to capitalize. Portugal seizes possession and moves the ball upfield in an attempt to extend its lead.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 56′
Nigeria gets itself into trouble by giving up possession in the final third. Portugal chooses to recycle ownership. A clear indication of a drop in game intensity.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 60′
Andre Silva attempts to dribble down the left flank. However, Nigeria has sent reinforcements in as the defenders close in on him. Portugal then has an opportunity to counter, but Felix catches the ball under his feet.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 64′
Nigeria is awarded a free kick in a promising area down the left. Simon swings it in, but it is once again far too close to Patricio, who catches it with ease. Meanwhile, Portugal’s attack has lost its zing.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 68′
As a replacement for Andre Silva, Goncalo Ramos gets a chance to impress his manager. Portugal’s stranglehold on possession continues, but it hasn’t produced much in the second half.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 72′
After penetrating the Portugal box down the right, Nigeria’s best chance of the game fell to Samuel Chukwueze. His shot, however, was deflected by an advancing Patricio.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 76′
Felix is denied by Uzoho!! The Ateltico attacker gathers the ball, shifts it to his left foot, and unleashes one. It takes a wicked deflection from a defender, but Uzoho’s reflexes are on point. Felix is a dissatisfied man.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 80′
Portugal wins a corner down the right but fails to convert it. Nigeria quickly counters with the loose ball, and Dalot is forced to give away a foul that appears to have occurred inside the box. VAR steps in and imposes a penalty. Emmanuel Dennis is adamant about getting the penalty kick and slams it into the upright. AND THE PENALTY IS MISSED!
Goncalo Ramos of Portugal celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during an international friendly soccer match between Portugal and Nigeria at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 82′
Patricio may have received a light touch on that penalty. Meanwhile, Portugal dazzles its way into the goal with a brilliant passing move at the other end. Felix finds Guerrero, who cuts it back for Goncalo Ramos to finish with the simplest of touches.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 84′
YET ANOTHER FOR PORTUGAL!!! It’s Joao Mario this time. Felix finds Ramos in the box, who flicks it to Mario at the back post, who taps it in with ease. PORTUGAL 4-0 NIGERIA.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 88′
Nigeria could have tied the game if that penalty had been converted. However, it now trails Portugal by an insurmountable four goals.
During an international friendly soccer match between Portugal and Nigeria at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, Bruno Fernandes, right, walks past Nigeria’s Kevin Akpoguma as he celebrates scoring his side’s second goal with a penalty kick. | Photo: AP/Armando Franca
Portugal vs. Nigeria— 90′
Ottovo nearly scores an own goal when his back pass catches Uzoho off guard. To save his defender’s blushes, the keeper recovers quickly. Nigeria works its way down the right again after two minutes, and Patricio once again shows his reflexes to deny the African side. The veteran goalkeeper appears to have kept his starting spot for Portugal. And it is a full-time position.
Portugal vs. Nigeria— Fulltime
A great warm-up game for Portugal. A Bruno brace got things started in the first half, before a late burst of energy from Goncalo Ramos and Joao Mario sealed the deal for Portugal. The 2016 Euro Champion will begin its World Cup campaign in Qatar tomorrow.
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