Ananya Lohia , Portugal - Portugal secured a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in a World Cup warm-up match in Leiria on Thursday, but Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating evening in front of goal. The veteran forward failed to score despite getting several clear chances, raising questions about his sharpness ahead of the tournament.
Ronaldo, who has scored a record 143 international goals for Portugal, missed a couple of one-on-one opportunities and was unable to add to his tally. The 41-year-old's struggles overshadowed an otherwise positive result for Roberto Martinez's side. Pedro Neto gave Portugal the lead in the 23rd minute before Akor Adams equalised for Nigeria 14 minutes later. Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao then netted the winner 15 minutes from time to seal the victory.
With all players available, Portugal fielded a strong lineup featuring Paris Saint-Germain stars Vitinha and Joao Neves alongside Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes. The match offered a glimpse of the squad Martinez could rely on during the World Cup. As Ronaldo prepares for what could be his sixth and final World Cup appearance, the spotlight remains firmly on whether he can finally deliver a defining campaign on football's biggest stage and win the one major trophy missing from his illustrious career.
Portugal will travel to their training base in Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday to continue preparations for the World Cup. Their campaign begins on June 17 against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston, followed by Group K fixtures against Uzbekistan and Colombia.
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