RONALDO GOLD RUSH

ball into the net. He could have added a second five minutes later, but dragged his shot wide.

In fact, the five-time Ballon d’or winner flitted in and out of the action, lacking his usual deadly accuracy from free-kicks, which inevitably came from him drawing fouls from opponents.

Portugal’s Goncalo Guedes should have made it 2-0 when he was put through on goal by Ronaldo in the first-half, but saw his effort saved by keeper Monir El Kajoui.

Morocco’s Younes Belhanda tested Patricio with an angled effort, then watched in despair as the Portugal keeper pulled off a stunning one-handed save low to his right to keep out a goalbound header.

The Portuguese’s defensive organisation and focus was tested by Morocco’s clever movement and threat from set-pieces, with Hakim Ziyech keeping them on their toes with his dead-ball deliveries.

But Portugal hung on, ensuring Ronaldo has the platform to continue to showcase his formidable talent, but their stay in Russia could prove to be short-lived with performances as turgid as this. Real Madrid superstar, 33, fresh from a hat-trick against Spain, became the highest European scorer of all-time after netting his 85th international goal.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos said: “Cristiano is like a port wine. He knows how to refine his capacity and age at his best. He is constantly evolving.”

Ronaldo, who struck with an early diving header against Morocco, said: “I managed to score the goal and I’m very happy.

“The most important thing was the three points.

“We knew if we lost we could be going out.”