Portugal overcomes Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence, beat Azerbaijan 3-0

Portugal defeated Azerbaijan 3-0 on Tuesday to take the lead in the World Cup qualifying group, beating the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bernardo Silva, Andre Silva and Diogo Jota scored a goal each to tour Portugal, three points ahead of Serbia in Group A. The Serbian could return to the top on Tuesday on a trip to Ireland.

Ronaldo was serving a suspension for collecting a yellow card. He was dropped after scoring his 110th and 111th goals in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Ireland last week, becoming men’s all-time top scorer in international football. He was tied for 109 goals with former Iranian striker Ali Dei.

Bernardo Silva opened the scoring from inside the field in the 26th minute by flicking the ball into the top corner with the outside of his left foot. Andre Silva, playing forward in Ronaldo’s position, joined the lead from close range five minutes later, and Jota sealed the victory with a header in the 75th.

Vinless Azerbaijan finished last in the group with one point from five matches. It hosts Ireland in the next round in October. Serbia will next visit Luxembourg, who is also Portugal’s next rival.