Ronaldo returns, Portugal back to winning ways
LISBON: With talisman Cristiano Ronaldo back in the side, Portugal strolled to a 3-0 win over Algeria in a World Cup warm-up match in Lisbon on Thursday.
A brace from Paris Saint-germain forward Goncalo Guedes, who spent last season on loan at Valencia, and another strike from Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes secured a comfortable success.
It was a welcome boost for the European champions, who hadn’t won since March and were held to draws by Tunisia (2-2) and Belgium (0-0) in their previous two friendlies.
Having been given some extra time off following Real Madrid’s Champions League final victory over Liverpool, Ronaldo made his 150th international appearance for Portugal.
And his very presence sparked a marked improvement in Portugal’s attacking thrust as he was involved in almost every dangerous
move the hosts conjured until he was replaced on 74 minutes.
Portugal begin their World Cup campaign in Sochi against Spain on June 15. Algeria did not qualify.
RASHFORD SCORES IN ENGLAND WIN
LEEDS: A stunning strike from Marcus Rashford and a Danny Welbeck header gave a confident-looking England a 2-0 win over Costa Rica in their pre-world Cup friendly at Elland Road on Thursday.
Rashford, who impressed throughout with his speed and control, fired England ahead in the 13th minute, unleashing a dipping diagonal drive from the right which flew past helpless Costa Rica keeper Keylor Navas.
England, whose manager Gareth Southgate made 10 changes from the side which beat Nigeria 2-1 at Wembley on Saturday, dominated possession against a mostly unadventurous Costa Rica but created few clear chances.