Ronaldo rescues Portugal from jaws of defeat, loses big chance in World Cup qualifier

- Portugal turned the game on its head after going behind against Luxembourg in a World Cup qualifier

- Diogo Jota equalized while Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Palhinha got their names on the scoresheet

- Fernandes Santos men now top Group A on goal-difference despite being denied a late winner against Serbia

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Portugal survived an early scare when they took on Luxembourg in a GroupA Qatar 2022 World qualifier.

Gerson Rodrigues stunned the European champions with a glancing header on the half-hour mark after the underdogs dominated the opening exchanges in the game.

But just before half-time, Liverpool striker headed home Pedro Neto's cross as the Selecao went into the break on level terms.

Cristiano Ronaldo then produced a smart finish in the opening six minutes of the second half to put his side ahead for the first time in the game.

Having being denied a goal the 2-2 draw away to Serbia, the Juventus striker was gifted a golden opportunity after a back pass fell into his path and was left one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

The 36-year-old shot straight at Luxembourg shot-stopper Anthony Moris as his second attempt was saved immediately by the goalie's feet.

Substitute Joao Palhinha put the lead beyond reach for Luxembourg with ten minutes left to play in the game.

Portugal lead the group on goal-difference but have seven points from three matches, same as second-placed Serbia.

Fernando Santos was not happy with the way his team played despite recording 3-1 win as he said:

"We spent the first half an hour playing at walking pace, with no intensity in either end of the pitch. I had to tell the players that we wouldn't win the game on quality alone and had to add intensity to our play."

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly on the verge of being sanctioned by world's football governing body because of his reaction in his Portugal's tie against Serbia.

With the scoreline 2-2, Cristiano Ronaldo thought he had scored the winner for Portugal at the death, but his goal was ruled out as offside which made the Juventus star livid.

Cristiano Ronaldo was so upset with the decision of the referee and even screamed at the assistant before throwing his captain's armband to the floor and storming off the pitch.