Portugal on cloud nine as Fernandes sparks record goal spree

Bruno Fernandes ran the show for Portugal as they romped to a record 9-0 win over Luxembourg in Euro 2024 qualifying without suspended top goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo.

Roberto Martinez's side have now won all six of their qualifying games, without conceding a single goal and scoring 24 themselves, with this the country's largest-ever victory.

Portugal lead Group J, five points clear of second-placed Slovakia, whom they beat on Friday. Luxembourg are third, three points behind Slovakia.

Manchester United playmaker Fernandes, who scored the winner against Slovakia, laid on three goals as Portugal filled their boots and scored one himself. Goncalo Ramos, Diogo Jota and Goncalo Inacio struck two goals each, while Ricardo Horta and Joao Felix also scored.

Martinez, who replaced Fernando Santos after the Qatar World Cup, has a 100 percent record at the helm to date.

"We are still at the beginning of a new era with a new coach," said Jota.

Elsewhere, David Brooks scored his first goal for Wales since returning after a cancer diagnosis as they kept their chances of reaching Euro 2024 with a 2-0 win at Latvia.

Brooks was diagnosed with stage-two Hodgkin lymphoma in October 2021. He returned to action in March and secured three vital points in stoppage time in Riga.