Ronaldo delivers again as Portugal down Morocco

AFP  |  Moscow 

followed up his opening game heroics at with the only goal in a 1-0 win for against as the European champions edged closer to the last 16.

The Real Madrid star struck in the fourth minute in to surpass Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskas as Europe's all-time leading scorer with 85 international goals.

Victory sent top of Group B on four points ahead of Spain's game against in Kazan, as a second straight defeat for condemned the African nation to an early exit in their first appearance since 1998.

opted for a back four, with and coming into the side, to provide added protection against the "absolutely exceptional" after his hat-trick against

But his plans were torn apart within minutes at the as wriggled free of the imposing Da Costa to bury an unstoppable header past a helpless

It was Ronaldo's fourth goal of the tournament, more than his combined tally at three previous finals, and left him trailing just Iran's (109) on the list of top international goalscorers.

The Real Madrid forward threatened a second soon after, swivelling on the edge of the area and scuffing just wide after a powerful run from left-back

forced a smart low save from at a corner for Morocco, before skipped his way into the area, his goal-bound effort blocked by an outstretched leg.

then nipped in ahead of to get a vital clearing touch in the six-yard box as Morocco consistently targeted the right side of the Portuguese defence.

- Moroccan penalty appeals -

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A crude lunge from Benatia on Ronaldo left the Portugal writhing around in pain, while Morocco felt aggrieved when Nordin Amrabat was hauled down by Guerreiro as he muscled his way into the area.

was flattened by in an aerial challenge that again had the Moroccans up in arms, with Renard warned for gesturing for the video referee.

Morocco El Kajoui kept his side in the game when he stuck out a strong left palm to repel a Goncalo Guedes effort following Ronaldo's lofted pass over the top.

Ronaldo blazed over from 15 yards after a quick free-kick caught Morocco out, Guedes's miscued attempt rolling invitingly to the five-time world of the year.

Morocco continued to carve out opportunities as Patricio clung on well to a curling Belhanda shot, and the Portugal keeper pulled off an even better save minutes later.

Another dangerous delivery from Ziyach was flicked on by Belhanda, with new Wolves signing Patricio flinging himself to his right to magnificently claw the ball to safety.

A further opening fell to Benatia, the Juventus defender neatly shifting the ball onto his left boot only to lash over the bar as Morocco's frustrations mounted.

The lively Ziyach nipped past Fonte in the closing minutes but found standing in his way, with Benatia hammering over one final chance to seal Morocco's fate.

Portugal will meet in their final group game on June 25, with Morocco set to bow out after their match against in Kaliningrad.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Wed, June 20 2018. 19:50 IST