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BSP-08
FBL-WC-2018-POR-ALG
Ronaldo return inspires Portugal past Algeria
LISBON, June 8, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – With talisman Cristiano Ronaldo back in
the side, Portugal strolled to a 3-0 win over Algeria in a World Cup warm-up
match in Lisbon on Thursday.
A brace from Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Guedes, who spent last
season on loan at Valencia, and another strike from Sporting Lisbon
midfielder Bruno Fernandes secured a comfortable success.
It was a welcome boost for the European champions, who hadn’t won since
March and were held to draws by Tunisia (2-2) and Belgium (0-0) in their
previous two friendlies.
Having been given some extra time off following Real Madrid’s Champions
League final victory over Liverpool, Ronaldo made his 150th international
appearance for Portugal.
And his very presence sparked a marked improvement in Portugal’s attacking
thrust as he was involved in almost every dangerous move the hosts conjured
until he was replaced on 74 minutes.
Portugal begin their World Cup campaign in Sochi against Spain on June 15.
Algeria did not qualify.
BSS/AFP/MRI/1157 hrs