Cristiano Ronaldo may rely himself fortunate that he was not despatched off for Portugal after his studs scraped Martin Dubravka’s face.
The Portugal captain began up entrance for his nation towards Slovakia in a Euro qualifier and was determined for a aim.
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And close to the hour-mark, the Al Nassr star had the perfect likelihood to lastly get on the scoresheet however he fluffed his line.
Chasing his contact and with the ball making its approach into Newcastle star Dubravka’s arms, Ronaldo lunged on the ball along with his studs displaying.
However he fully missed the goal, as a substitute raking his boot down the Slovakia goalkeeper’s face.
The 38-year-old instantly regarded sheepish whereas the followers contained in the Tehelne Pole bayed for a crimson card.
Nevertheless, referee Glenn Nyberg didn’t oblige and solely brandished a yellow – leaving gamers and followers shocked alike.
Paris Saint-Germain star Milan Skrinier was incensed and right away raced towards Ronaldo to stay up for his teammate, who was cradling his face.
The previous Manchester United star regarded apologetic and tried to insist he went for the ball.
However he may take into account himself extraordinarily lucky to remain on the pitch, particularly at a vital time.
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Bruno Fernandes had put Portugal a aim up earlier within the contest.
And that proved to be the winner, although with 10 males, the match might need turned out in a different way.
Portugal, nevertheless, went on to outlive and preserve their excellent begin to the qualifying section with 5 wins out of 5.
There’s a sturdy likelihood that can be six, too, by Monday night time after they face Luxembourg at residence.
Ronaldo is already the Selecao’s highest-ever goalscorer however will miss the prospect to play, having now been suspended by way of his yellow card on Friday night time.
In any other case, he would have been licking his lips forward of the prospect so as to add to his 123-goal tally towards a rustic he has scored 11 occasions towards.
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