Bruno Fernandes bags three as Portugal put nine past Armenia | OneFootball

Bruno Fernandes and João Neves both scored hat-tricks as Portugal put nine past Armenia to top Group F.

After a poor showing against the Republic of Ireland, an improved performance was expected from a Portugal side without the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo.

That's exactly what happened with former Chelsea man Renato Veiga putting his side ahead. Bruno Fernandes looked to catch Armenia goalkeeper Henri Avagyan out when he sent in a free-kick to the near post. That effort bounced off the post though allowing Renato Veiga to finish.

Surprisingly, Armenia levelled the score not long after when Eduard Spertsyan bundled the ball in after Grant-Leon Ranos' cross from the right.

Gonçalo Ramos put Portugal back ahead just before the break before a flurry of goals made it 5-1 to Portugal before the break, including a Bruno Fernandes penalty.

The Manchester United man also scored his country's sixth and seventh goal with that latter goal also coming from the penalty spot.

Fernandes won't be the only one taking the match ball home though as João Neves also completed a hat-trick with substitute Francisco Conceição bagging Portugal's ninth in stoppage time.

In the end, Portugal topped Group F, three points ahead of the Republic of Ireland.