Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick as Portugal thrashed Armenia 9-1 to qualify for the World Cup. The Manchester United midfielder stepped up in the absence of the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo, netting the fifth, sixth and seventh goals in Porto.
Ronaldo, who missed the match after being sent off in Thursday's shock 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland, celebrated the achievement on social media. 'We're in the World Cup. Let's go, Portugal,' he wrote on Instagram.
Fernandes downplayed his individual performance, stating: 'I think I've played much more complete games than this one. The difference is that today I scored, and in the others I didn't.' He added that his role now involves being closer to the striker and helping the team.
Portugal won four of their six group games, losing to the Republic of Ireland and drawing with Hungary. The Portuguese Football Federation is expected to appeal Ronaldo's suspension, which could rule him out of the start of the World Cup.
