A charm offensive? Roberto Martínez eagerly sang the Portuguese national anthem and immediately gave Cristiano Ronaldo his pleasure.
With his 197th international match, he is now the only record holder in international football.
Ronaldo dethroned Bader Al-Mutawa tonight: the counter of the attacker from Kuwait stands at 196 caps, but he is not finished yet and can still embellish his figures.
Ronaldo, however, wanted to liven up his anniversary with a goal. He eagerly raised his hand as a deviated shot from Joao Cancelo bumped into goal on 9 minutes, but Ronaldo caught blunt despite his feather-light deflection.
Portugal was launched and Ronaldo missed two chances, but then the pudding quickly collapsed.
1-0 halfway: Portugal – with a three-man defense as Martinez’s main tactical adjustment – Liechtenstein’s double belt was far too little to disrupt.
So a skinny animal, but Bernardo Silva immediately after the break set a good example and of course Ronaldo was the most active student in the class.
Portugal was suddenly a crusher and Ronaldo put himself completely in the spotlight with a penalty and a hard free kick in the top corner.
Jose Alvalade roared along, Martinez remained stoic at the reconciliation between Ronaldo and the Portuguese supporters.
It was a successful debut for the former national coach of the Red Devils, although the large figures lacked a layer of shine.
“The first fifteen minutes were good”, Roberto Martinez judged after his entrance to Portugal. “After that it was a frustrating first half and we couldn’t show what we worked on.”
“In the second half it was easier. You should not be surprised in such a match.”
“Of course there is still work and we still need to get to know each other better. But I am satisfied with what I have seen after only four days together. I like the attitude of the group.”
Martinez used the term “positive” several times, including when it came to Cristiano Ronaldo. “It’s a new cycle and a player has to show his dedication. He did that.”
