Bernardo, Dias and Nunes feature as rampant Portugal seal 2026 World Cup finals ticket | OneFootball

City’s Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva both started with Matheus Nunes a second half substitute as Portugal crushed Armenia 9-1 in Porto to seal their place at the 2026 World Cup finals.

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Roberto Martinez’s side had kicked off in their final Group F qualifier knowing that victory would seal their place in next summer’s showpiece to be held in North America.

And the Selecao more than delivered, producing a dominant all-round display at the Estadio do Dragao on what proved an afternoon to remember.

The hosts had got off to the perfect start, taking a seventh minute lead thanks to a close-range header by Renato Veiga, the effort being allowed to stand following a lengthy VAR check.

However, the visitors quickly drew level when Eduard Spertsyan fired home on 18 minutes after a fine run and cross from Grant-Leon Ranos bisected the Portuguese defence

But two goals inside two minutes just before the half four reasserted Portugal’s grip on proceedings.

First Goncalo Ramos restored the hosts’ lead on 28 minutes, the Paris Saint-Germain striker intercepting an intended back pass before finding the target.

LEADING MAN: Skipper Bernardo Silva

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And within 120 seconds, their lead was further extended when Joao Neves swept home from a Bruno Fernandes assist after a sweeping attack.

Neves then struck again just before the break with Portugal’s total dominance then further emphasised by a 45th minute penalty converted by Bruno Fernandes.

The Manchester United star then claimed his second and Portugal’s sixth on 52 minutes before skipper Bernardo, who had produced another fine all-round display, was then replaced by former City Academy star Carlos Forbs just near the hour in what was an international debut for the young winger.

Nunes then entered the fray with just over a quarter of an hour remaining coming on for former City defender Joao Cancelo. Dias also made way for Ruben Neves after a typically dominant defensive shift

The party atmosphere continued with Fernandes converting his second penalty of the afternoon to seal his own hat-trick and bring up a magnificent seven for Martinez’s marauders.

Not to be outdone Neves then claimed his own treble to pile on the misery for Armenia and remind everyone of Portugal’s quality and firepower.

And Armenia’s misery was further compounded in stoppage time when Francisco Conceicao struck to make it 9-1