Portugal&nbsp;captain Cristiano&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;scored another treble, moving closer to&nbsp;100&nbsp;international&nbsp;goals, as he led the European champions to a 6-0 drubbing of Lithuania in a Euro 2020 qualifier on Thursday.

Ronaldo, whose&nbsp;hat-trick&nbsp;was the 55th of his career and ninth for&nbsp;Portugal, has 98&nbsp;goals&nbsp;and could become only the second player to score a century for his country after Iran's Ali Daei.

Pizzi, Goncalo Paciencia and Bernardo Silva shared the other&nbsp;goals&nbsp;in the one-sided Group B match.

The European champions, however, were left waiting to secure a place at the finals after Serbia beat Luxembourg 3-2.

Portugal&nbsp;is in second place with 14 points, one ahead of Serbia, and will qualify if they win in Luxembourg on Sunday. Leaders Ukraine has already qualified.

Ronaldo&nbsp;showed no sign of the knee problem which led to him being substituted in his last two games for Juventus -- prompting an angry reaction on the second occasion -- and could easily have reached a century of&nbsp;goals&nbsp;on Thursday.

Coach Fernando Santos declared that&nbsp;he never had any doubts about&nbsp;Portugal's most-capped player.

"I asked him if he was okay to play, it was just a case of having a conversation with him," he said. "I never had any doubts about his condition, it was other people who had them. Nothing surprises me about Cristiano."

Ronaldo&nbsp;was quick off the mark, winning and converting a penalty in the seventh minute.

The 34-year-old got to the ball ahead of Saulius Mikoliunas, who clipped his heel and sent his spot-kick down the middle, hitting goalkeeper Ernestas Setkus' foot on the way in.

Lithuania paid for more sloppiness 15 minutes later as they lost the ball in midfield and Paciencia slipped the ball quickly to&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;who produced a wicked, dipping first-time shot which flew past the bemused Setkus from 25 metres.

He had another shot on the turn saved by Setkus and blasted over after bursting into the box before the break.

Pizzi, Paciencia and Silva scored in an 11-minute spell after halftime and&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;sent two efforts agonisingly wide as the siege continued.

He completed his&nbsp;hat-trick&nbsp;from Silva's pass in the 65th minute before Paciencia set him up nicely for a fourth but&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;fired the easy chance over the bar.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo scored another treble, moving closer to 100 international goals, as he led the European champions to a 6-0 drubbing of Lithuania in a Euro 2020 qualifier on Thursday.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo scored another treble, moving closer to 100 international goals, as he led the European champions to a 6-0 drubbing of Lithuania in a Euro 2020 qualifier on Thursday. Ronaldo, whose hat-trick was the 55th of his career and ninth for Portugal, has 98 goals and could become only the second player to score a century for his country after Iran's Ali Daei. Pizzi, Goncalo Paciencia and Bernardo Silva shared the other goals in the one-sided Group B match. The European champions, however, were left waiting to secure a place at the finals after Serbia beat Luxembourg 3-2. Portugal is in second place with 14 points, one ahead of Serbia, and will qualify if they win in Luxembourg on Sunday. Leaders Ukraine has already qualified. Ronaldo showed no sign of the knee problem which led to him being substituted in his last two games for Juventus -- prompting an angry reaction on the second occasion -- and could easily have reached a century of goals on Thursday. Coach Fernando Santos declared that he never had any doubts about Portugal's most-capped player. "I asked him if he was okay to play, it was just a case of having a conversation with him," he said. "I never had any doubts about his condition, it was other people who had them. Nothing surprises me about Cristiano." Ronaldo was quick off the mark, winning and converting a penalty in the seventh minute. The 34-year-old got to the ball ahead of Saulius Mikoliunas, who clipped his heel and sent his spot-kick down the middle, hitting goalkeeper Ernestas Setkus' foot on the way in. Lithuania paid for more sloppiness 15 minutes later as they lost the ball in midfield and Paciencia slipped the ball quickly to Ronaldo who produced a wicked, dipping first-time shot which flew past the bemused Setkus from 25 metres. He had another shot on the turn saved by Setkus and blasted over after bursting into the box before the break. Pizzi, Paciencia and Silva scored in an 11-minute spell after halftime and Ronaldo sent two efforts agonisingly wide as the siege continued. He completed his hat-trick from Silva's pass in the 65th minute before Paciencia set him up nicely for a fourth but Ronaldo fired the easy chance over the bar.

Ronaldo bags hat-trick, closes on 100 goals in Portugal rout

Cristiano Ronaldo's fitness and attitude has come under the spotlight after he reacted angrily to being substituted during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-juventus-dybala-sinks-milan-as-angry-ronaldo-substituted-261314">Juventus' win over AC Milan</a> and coach Maurizio Sarri said the 34-year-old had been nursing a knee injury for some time.

Ronaldo now faces two matches with Portugal where he will want to help the European champions guarantee their place at Euro 2020 and close in on the 100-goal milestone for his country.

He currently has 95 goals and, given his prolific record, it is not inconceivable that he could reach 100 against Lithuania and Luxemburg,&nbsp;if he can play.

Ronaldo gave Sarri a dirty look and walked straight down the tunnel after being substituted in the 55th minute on Sunday, prompting widespread criticism led by former Real Madrid, Juventus and England coach Fabio Capello.

"Ronaldo hasn't dribbled past a player in three years and I remember when he could leave them on the floor," Capello told Sky Sport Italia. "Sarri was right to take him off. The fact that he did not go and sit on the bench was not a good image."

Sarri said the player had taken a knock on the knee in training a month ago was still feeling the effects.

"When he trains with high intensity and plays matches, he feels some pain. He can't train too hard and has difficulty when he kicks the ball."

Sarri added that Ronaldo was also suffering problems with his thigh and calf, raising questions as to whether the striker was taking unnecessary risks by playing on rather than taking some time out to regain full fitness.

Ronaldo's career has been remarkably injury-free and his longest layoff was in 2008 when a fractured knee cap sidelined him for 94 days, during which he missed 11 games.

An ankle injury cost him nine games in 2009 and he suffered another knee injury during the Euro 2016 final for Portugal against France.

He was also troubled by tendinosis around his left knee in the run-up to the 2014 World Cup. He played in all of Portugal's games but later admitted that he had taken a risk by playing through it.

According to the specialist website Transfermarkt, he has only missed 53 games in his entire career due to injury.

Sarri described Ronaldo's angry reaction to being substituted as normal for a top player, but he will probably be more than happy to let Portugal coach Fernando Santos deal with the problem for the next week.

Cristiano Ronaldo's fitness and attitude has come under the spotlight after he reacted angrily to being substituted during Juventus' win over AC Milan and coach Maurizio Sarri said the 34-year-old had been nursing a knee injury for some time.

Cristiano Ronaldo's fitness and attitude has come under the spotlight after he reacted angrily to being substituted during Juventus' win over AC Milan and coach Maurizio Sarri said the 34-year-old had been nursing a knee injury for some time. Ronaldo now faces two matches with Portugal where he will want to help the European champions guarantee their place at Euro 2020 and close in on the 100-goal milestone for his country. He currently has 95 goals and, given his prolific record, it is not inconceivable that he could reach 100 against Lithuania and Luxemburg, if he can play. Ronaldo gave Sarri a dirty look and walked straight down the tunnel after being substituted in the 55th minute on Sunday, prompting widespread criticism led by former Real Madrid, Juventus and England coach Fabio Capello. "Ronaldo hasn't dribbled past a player in three years and I remember when he could leave them on the floor," Capello told Sky Sport Italia. "Sarri was right to take him off. The fact that he did not go and sit on the bench was not a good image." Sarri said the player had taken a knock on the knee in training a month ago was still feeling the effects. "When he trains with high intensity and plays matches, he feels some pain. He can't train too hard and has difficulty when he kicks the ball." Sarri added that Ronaldo was also suffering problems with his thigh and calf, raising questions as to whether the striker was taking unnecessary risks by playing on rather than taking some time out to regain full fitness. Ronaldo's career has been remarkably injury-free and his longest layoff was in 2008 when a fractured knee cap sidelined him for 94 days, during which he missed 11 games. An ankle injury cost him nine games in 2009 and he suffered another knee injury during the Euro 2016 final for Portugal against France. He was also troubled by tendinosis around his left knee in the run-up to the 2014 World Cup. He played in all of Portugal's games but later admitted that he had taken a risk by playing through it. According to the specialist website Transfermarkt, he has only missed 53 games in his entire career due to injury. Sarri described Ronaldo's angry reaction to being substituted as normal for a top player, but he will probably be more than happy to let Portugal coach Fernando Santos deal with the problem for the next week.

Cristiano Ronaldo's fitness and attitude both under the spotlight

Members of Portugal's new parliament took up office on Friday, among them the country's first black women lawmakers who campaigned on promises to fight racism and inequality.

The three women, who all trace their origins to Guinea-Bissau, an impoverished former Portuguese colony in West Africa, won office in the October 6 general election when Prime Minister Antonio Costa's Socialists were re-elected but without an absolute majority.

A total of 89 women were elected, an unprecedented number in the 230-seat parliament,&nbsp;following a new gender parity law requiring that 40 per cent of elected lawmakers are female.&nbsp;

Portugal has a significant minority population from its former African colonies in Angola, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, Guinea Bissau, and Cape Verde as well as Brazil.

Campaigners complain of discrimination in areas ranging from education to housing, employment to the justice system and of a shortage of black faces in business, the media and politics, although progress has been made in recent years.

After taking office in 2015, Costa, who is of Indian descent, nominated Portugal's first black cabinet minister, appointing Francisca Van Dunem, who was born in Angola, as justice minister.&nbsp;

She is keeping the post in Costa's new cabinet which will be sworn in on Saturday.

The best known of the newcomers is Joacine Katar Moreira, 37, an anti-racism activist who moved to Portugal from Guinea-Bissau when she was just eight and headed a list of upstart eco-socialist party LIVRE, or "FREE", winning the new formation's first and only seat in parliament.

The others are Romualda Fernandes, a 65-year-old lawyer and migration expert who won a seat representing the Socialists and Beatriz Gomes Dias, 48, the president of anti-racism association Djass, who ran with the far-left Left Bloc party.

Djass has proposed a memorial honouring the millions of African slaves which Portuguese ships transported to the Americas. The project has become a lightning rod for debate about the country's colonial past.

Up until now the only black person to serve as a member of parliament since Portugal returned to democracy in 1974 was a man, Helder Amaral who represented the conservative CDS party between 2002 and 2019.

Moreira, who became a Portuguese national in 2003, vowed during her victory speech to become the voice of "anti-racism" and "leftwing radical feminism" in parliament.

Thousands of people have signed an online petition demanding that she not be allowed to take up her seat because, at her victory celebration, several people were seen waving flags from Guinea-Bissau instead of Portugal.

"This has always been a war for people like me," Moreira tweeted in response to the petition.

&nbsp;

Members of Portugal's new parliament took up office on Friday, among them the country's first black women lawmakers who campaigned on promises to fight racism and inequality.

Members of Portugal's new parliament took up office on Friday, among them the country's first black women lawmakers who campaigned on promises to fight racism and inequality. The three women, who all trace their origins to Guinea-Bissau, an impoverished former Portuguese colony in West Africa, won office in the October 6 general election when Prime Minister Antonio Costa's Socialists were re-elected but without an absolute majority. A total of 89 women were elected, an unprecedented number in the 230-seat parliament, following a new gender parity law requiring that 40 per cent of elected lawmakers are female. Portugal has a significant minority population from its former African colonies in Angola, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, Guinea Bissau, and Cape Verde as well as Brazil. Campaigners complain of discrimination in areas ranging from education to housing, employment to the justice system and of a shortage of black faces in business, the media and politics, although progress has been made in recent years. After taking office in 2015, Costa, who is of Indian descent, nominated Portugal's first black cabinet minister, appointing Francisca Van Dunem, who was born in Angola, as justice minister. She is keeping the post in Costa's new cabinet which will be sworn in on Saturday. The best known of the newcomers is Joacine Katar Moreira, 37, an anti-racism activist who moved to Portugal from Guinea-Bissau when she was just eight and headed a list of upstart eco-socialist party LIVRE, or "FREE", winning the new formation's first and only seat in parliament. The others are Romualda Fernandes, a 65-year-old lawyer and migration expert who won a seat representing the Socialists and Beatriz Gomes Dias, 48, the president of anti-racism association Djass, who ran with the far-left Left Bloc party. Djass has proposed a memorial honouring the millions of African slaves which Portuguese ships transported to the Americas. The project has become a lightning rod for debate about the country's colonial past. Up until now the only black person to serve as a member of parliament since Portugal returned to democracy in 1974 was a man, Helder Amaral who represented the conservative CDS party between 2002 and 2019. Moreira, who became a Portuguese national in 2003, vowed during her victory speech to become the voice of "anti-racism" and "leftwing radical feminism" in parliament. Thousands of people have signed an online petition demanding that she not be allowed to take up her seat because, at her victory celebration, several people were seen waving flags from Guinea-Bissau instead of Portugal. "This has always been a war for people like me," Moreira tweeted in response to the petition.

Portugal's first black women lawmakers take office

Cristiano Ronaldo hits milestone with 700th career goal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Antonio Costa on being re-elected as the Prime Minister of Portugal.

"Congratulations to @psocialista and my friend, @antoniocostapm for the good performance in the parliamentary elections in Portugal. Looking forward to continuing working together to further enhance India-Portugal friendship," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

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Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/psocialista?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@psocialista</a> and my friend, <a href="https://twitter.com/antoniocostapm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@antoniocostapm</a> for the good performance in the parliamentary elections in Portugal. Looking forward to continuing working together to further enhance India-Portugal friendship. <a href="https://t.co/ELtP5ZayyX">pic.twitter.com/ELtP5ZayyX</a>
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Indian-origin Antonio Costa's Socialist Party won 106 seats in the recently held general elections. 
 
Gaining twenty more seats from 2015, the party commanded a vote share of 35.88 per cent.

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Antonio Costa on being re-elected as the Prime Minister of Portugal. "Congratulations to @psocialista and my friend, @antoniocostapm for the good performance in the parliamentary elections in Portugal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Antonio Costa on being re-elected as the Prime Minister of Portugal. "Congratulations to @psocialista and my friend, @antoniocostapm for the good performance in the parliamentary elections in Portugal. Looking forward to continuing working together to further enhance India-Portugal friendship," Prime Minister Modi tweeted. Congratulations to @psocialista and my friend, @antoniocostapm for the good performance in the parliamentary elections in Portugal. Looking forward to continuing working together to further enhance India-Portugal friendship. pic.twitter.com/ELtP5ZayyX — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 7, 2019 × Indian-origin Antonio Costa's Socialist Party won 106 seats in the recently held general elections. Gaining twenty more seats from 2015, the party commanded a vote share of 35.88 per cent.

Prime Minister Modi congratulates Portugal's Antonio Costa over his re-election

Portugal's ruling Socialists (PS) won Sunday's (October 6) parliamentary election but fell short of an outright majority, meaning Prime Minister Antonio Costa will need to negotiate a new deal with one or both of his far-left allies in the previous legislature.

Portugal's PM Costa says won election, to stick to pact with far-left

Portugal voted Sunday with Prime Minister Antonio Costa's Socialists tipped to win a second straight term after presiding over a period of solid economic growth following years of austerity.

Costa's likely re-election bucks the trend of declining centre-left fortunes and the rise of far-right, populist forces seen elsewhere in Europe.

Final opinion polls published Friday put support for the Socialist Party (PS) -- which has governed for the past four years with the backing in parliament of two smaller hard-left parties -- at 36-39 per cent, compared to 25-30 per cent for nearest rivals the centre-right Social Democrats (PSD).

If opinion polls hold true the PS would boost its numbers in Portugal's 230-seat parliament but still fall short of an absolute majority, meaning former Lisbon mayor Costa would once again need the support of at least one other leftist party to govern.

Polling stations opened at 8:00 am (0700 GMT) and will close in mainland Portugal at 7:00 pm (1800 GMT), with results announced later on Sunday.

Growth up, deficit down

After coming to power in 2015, Costa, 58, moved quickly to undo some of the unpopular austerity measures introduced by the previous PSD-led government in return for a 78-billion-euro ($85 billion) international bailout that kept finances afloat after Portugal was clobbered by the eurozone debt crisis.

Taking advantage of the global economic recovery, he reversed cuts to public sector wages and pensions while still managing to bring the budget deficit down to nearly zero this year -- the lowest level since Portugal's return to democracy in 1974.

On his watch Portugal's economic growth was higher than the European average in recent years -- 3.5 per cent in 2017 and 2.4 per cent in 2018 -- while the jobless rate fell to the level of before the debt crisis.

"Every vote counts and we need a strong PS to guarantee four more years of stability," Costa said Friday, the last day campaigning was allowed.

His main adversary, PSD leader Rui Rio, has railed against high taxes and inadequate public investment, which he argues are hurting public services, but he appears to have accepted defeat.

"It would be nice to be able to say that I am almost sure to win, but it is not the case," he said during an interview with TSF radio on Friday.

New ally?

Rio has managed to reduce the margin separating the PSD and the PS in recent weeks, especially after a scandal concerning former defence minister Jose Azeredo Lopes resurfaced.

Lopes was charged last week with abuse of power and denial of justice over his role in the alleged cover-up of an arms theft from a military depot two years ago.

The tensions of the campaign appeared to be getting to the outgoing premier.

When an elderly voter challenged him during a final campaign appearance on Friday in Lisbon over the government's handling of wildfires in central Portugal in June 2017 that killed more than 60 people, the normally affable Costa lost his temper in images that went viral.

The two parties which propped up Costa's previous government -- the Communists and the Left Bloc -- together have about 17 percent support, slightly less than the score they obtained in the last election.

But Sunday's vote could give him another potential government ally as polls suggest an upstart People-Animals-Nature party (PAN) founded by a Buddhist philosopher could ride a wave of concern about climate change and capture three to four percent of the vote, giving it a potential kingmaker role.

"The most probable outcome is a Socialist party minority government with support from radical left parties or, less likely, the small environmentalist party PAN," said Federico Santi, an analyst at political risk consultancy Eurasia Group.

Portugal voted Sunday with Prime Minister Antonio Costa's Socialists tipped to win a second straight term after presiding over a period of solid economic growth following years of austerity.

Portugal voted Sunday with Prime Minister Antonio Costa's Socialists tipped to win a second straight term after presiding over a period of solid economic growth following years of austerity. Costa's likely re-election bucks the trend of declining centre-left fortunes and the rise of far-right, populist forces seen elsewhere in Europe. Final opinion polls published Friday put support for the Socialist Party (PS) -- which has governed for the past four years with the backing in parliament of two smaller hard-left parties -- at 36-39 per cent, compared to 25-30 per cent for nearest rivals the centre-right Social Democrats (PSD). If opinion polls hold true the PS would boost its numbers in Portugal's 230-seat parliament but still fall short of an absolute majority, meaning former Lisbon mayor Costa would once again need the support of at least one other leftist party to govern. Polling stations opened at 8:00 am (0700 GMT) and will close in mainland Portugal at 7:00 pm (1800 GMT), with results announced later on Sunday. Growth up, deficit down After coming to power in 2015, Costa, 58, moved quickly to undo some of the unpopular austerity measures introduced by the previous PSD-led government in return for a 78-billion-euro ($85 billion) international bailout that kept finances afloat after Portugal was clobbered by the eurozone debt crisis. Taking advantage of the global economic recovery, he reversed cuts to public sector wages and pensions while still managing to bring the budget deficit down to nearly zero this year -- the lowest level since Portugal's return to democracy in 1974. On his watch Portugal's economic growth was higher than the European average in recent years -- 3.5 per cent in 2017 and 2.4 per cent in 2018 -- while the jobless rate fell to the level of before the debt crisis. "Every vote counts and we need a strong PS to guarantee four more years of stability," Costa said Friday, the last day campaigning was allowed. His main adversary, PSD leader Rui Rio, has railed against high taxes and inadequate public investment, which he argues are hurting public services, but he appears to have accepted defeat. "It would be nice to be able to say that I am almost sure to win, but it is not the case," he said during an interview with TSF radio on Friday. New ally? Rio has managed to reduce the margin separating the PSD and the PS in recent weeks, especially after a scandal concerning former defence minister Jose Azeredo Lopes resurfaced. Lopes was charged last week with abuse of power and denial of justice over his role in the alleged cover-up of an arms theft from a military depot two years ago. The tensions of the campaign appeared to be getting to the outgoing premier. When an elderly voter challenged him during a final campaign appearance on Friday in Lisbon over the government's handling of wildfires in central Portugal in June 2017 that killed more than 60 people, the normally affable Costa lost his temper in images that went viral. The two parties which propped up Costa's previous government -- the Communists and the Left Bloc -- together have about 17 percent support, slightly less than the score they obtained in the last election. But Sunday's vote could give him another potential government ally as polls suggest an upstart People-Animals-Nature party (PAN) founded by a Buddhist philosopher could ride a wave of concern about climate change and capture three to four percent of the vote, giving it a potential kingmaker role. "The most probable outcome is a Socialist party minority government with support from radical left parties or, less likely, the small environmentalist party PAN," said Federico Santi, an analyst at political risk consultancy Eurasia Group.

Portugal's Socialists tipped for re-election

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo said he deserves to end his soccer career with more Ballon d'Or awards than Barcelona counterpart Lionel Messi and hopes to establish himself as the greatest player of all time.

Ronaldo, 34, has won the renowned France Football magazine trophy for the world's best player five times as many as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/raheem-sterling-not-on-same-level-as-lionel-messi-cristiano-ronaldo-says-pep-guardiola-249589">Messi </a>but is eager for more as he moves into the twilight of his career.

"Messi's in the history of football," Ronaldo told broadcaster Piers Morgan in an interview with Britain's ITV on Tuesday. "But I think I have to have six or seven or eight to be above him," he said, referring to the Ballon d'Or awards.

"I'd love it, I think I deserve it."

The Portugal captain said he was no friend of the Argentine but credited his rival for helping push him further in his own career.

"My relationship with him is, we are not friends, but we have shared this stage for 15 years," Ronaldo said. "I know that he has pushed me to be a better player and I have pushed him to be a better player as well."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/maurizio-sarri-back-ronaldo-firing-on-all-cylinders-as-juventus-head-for-fiorentina-249366">Ronaldo</a>, who also played for Manchester United and Real Madrid, has five UEFA Champions League winners' medals and led Portugal to victory at the 2016 UEFA European Championship and 2019 UEFA Nations League tournaments.

"I don't follow the records, the records follow me. I'm addicted to the success, and I don't think it's something bad, I think it's good," Ronaldo said.

"It motivates me. If you're not motivated, it's better to stop."

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo said he deserves to end his soccer career with more Ballon d'Or awards than Barcelona counterpart Lionel Messi and hopes to establish himself as the greatest player of all time.

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo said he deserves to end his soccer career with more Ballon d'Or awards than Barcelona counterpart Lionel Messi and hopes to establish himself as the greatest player of all time. Ronaldo, 34, has won the renowned France Football magazine trophy for the world's best player five times as many as Messi but is eager for more as he moves into the twilight of his career. "Messi's in the history of football," Ronaldo told broadcaster Piers Morgan in an interview with Britain's ITV on Tuesday. "But I think I have to have six or seven or eight to be above him," he said, referring to the Ballon d'Or awards. "I'd love it, I think I deserve it." The Portugal captain said he was no friend of the Argentine but credited his rival for helping push him further in his own career. "My relationship with him is, we are not friends, but we have shared this stage for 15 years," Ronaldo said. "I know that he has pushed me to be a better player and I have pushed him to be a better player as well." Ronaldo, who also played for Manchester United and Real Madrid, has five UEFA Champions League winners' medals and led Portugal to victory at the 2016 UEFA European Championship and 2019 UEFA Nations League tournaments. "I don't follow the records, the records follow me. I'm addicted to the success, and I don't think it's something bad, I think it's good," Ronaldo said. "It motivates me. If you're not motivated, it's better to stop."

I deserve more Ballon d'Or awards than Messi, says Ronaldo

European champions Portugal got their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign back on track with goals from William Carvalho, Goncalo Guedes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva helping them to a pulsating 4-2 Group B victory in Serbia on Saturday.

The victory lifted the Portuguese to second place in the group on five points from three games, eight behind runaway leaders Ukraine who have 13 from five matches after their 3-0 win in Lithuania earlier on Saturday.

Third-placed Luxembourg and Serbia in fourth both have four points from as many games while Lithuania are bottom with one point from four matches.

Coach Fernando Santos, who steered Portugal to the Euro 2016 title in France and this year's triumph in the inaugural Nations League, was pleased with his team's performance.

"We showed a lot of creativity and attacking intent in a solid performance required to beat a very good Serbia side," Santos told reporters.

"Getting the opening goal just before halftime was vital and in the second half we controlled the game. We stifled their excellent midfield and deserved the win.

"This win should boost our confidence ahead of Tuesday's visit to Lithuania and nothing less than a win will do because it's a complicated group."

His counterpart Ljubisa Tumbakovic, who replaced Mladen Krstajic on July 1 three weeks after he was sacked by Montenegro, conceded he had endured a sour debut as Serbia coach.

"We lost to a majestic team full of world-class players," said the 67-year old from Belgrade.

"We lacked the final pass in the first half and it didn't help that we fell behind just before the break. As ever in Serbian football, we were vulnerable defensively and that undermines every other department."

Spilled Cross

Portugal dominated the opening half and Carvalho fired them ahead in the 42nd minute when he poked the ball into an empty net from three metres after Serbia keeper Marko Dmitrovic spilled a Bruno Fernandes cross from the right.

Cristiano Ronaldo, looking subdued in the opening half and given a hostile reception at Red Star stadium as Serbian fans jeered him every time he touched the ball, twice came close early in the second half.

He fired inches wide from the edge of the penalty area after cutting in from the left and then curled a free kick narrowly off target before Guedes doubled Portugal's lead with a fine individual effort.

The forward capped a flowing move as he sidestepped a defender and rifled in an unstoppable shot past Dmitrovic into the far corner from 12 metres to silence the raucous home crowd.

Centre back Nikola Milenkovic pulled one back for Serbia in the 68th minute, heading a Dusan Tadic corner past keeper Rui Patricio, who was two minutes later forced to tip a fierce Adem Ljajic shot from 20 metres over the bar.

Taunted by chants of "Messi" from Serbia's die-hard fans, Ronaldo demonstrated his class in the 80th minute when he took a Bernardo Silva pass in his stride and coolly dinked the ball over the advancing Dmitrovic.

Serbia refused to roll over as Aleksandar Mitrovic drove a shot from inside the penalty area into the roof of the net after a defensive blunder in the 85th minute but Silva sealed the contest with a clinical finish barely 60 seconds later.

European champions Portugal got their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign back on track with goals from William Carvalho, Goncalo Guedes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva helping them to a pulsating 4-2 Group B victory in Serbia on Saturday.

European champions Portugal got their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign back on track with goals from William Carvalho, Goncalo Guedes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva helping them to a pulsating 4-2 Group B victory in Serbia on Saturday. The victory lifted the Portuguese to second place in the group on five points from three games, eight behind runaway leaders Ukraine who have 13 from five matches after their 3-0 win in Lithuania earlier on Saturday. Third-placed Luxembourg and Serbia in fourth both have four points from as many games while Lithuania are bottom with one point from four matches. Coach Fernando Santos, who steered Portugal to the Euro 2016 title in France and this year's triumph in the inaugural Nations League, was pleased with his team's performance. "We showed a lot of creativity and attacking intent in a solid performance required to beat a very good Serbia side," Santos told reporters. "Getting the opening goal just before halftime was vital and in the second half we controlled the game. We stifled their excellent midfield and deserved the win. "This win should boost our confidence ahead of Tuesday's visit to Lithuania and nothing less than a win will do because it's a complicated group." His counterpart Ljubisa Tumbakovic, who replaced Mladen Krstajic on July 1 three weeks after he was sacked by Montenegro, conceded he had endured a sour debut as Serbia coach. "We lost to a majestic team full of world-class players," said the 67-year old from Belgrade. "We lacked the final pass in the first half and it didn't help that we fell behind just before the break. As ever in Serbian football, we were vulnerable defensively and that undermines every other department." Spilled Cross Portugal dominated the opening half and Carvalho fired them ahead in the 42nd minute when he poked the ball into an empty net from three metres after Serbia keeper Marko Dmitrovic spilled a Bruno Fernandes cross from the right. Cristiano Ronaldo, looking subdued in the opening half and given a hostile reception at Red Star stadium as Serbian fans jeered him every time he touched the ball, twice came close early in the second half. He fired inches wide from the edge of the penalty area after cutting in from the left and then curled a free kick narrowly off target before Guedes doubled Portugal's lead with a fine individual effort. The forward capped a flowing move as he sidestepped a defender and rifled in an unstoppable shot past Dmitrovic into the far corner from 12 metres to silence the raucous home crowd. Centre back Nikola Milenkovic pulled one back for Serbia in the 68th minute, heading a Dusan Tadic corner past keeper Rui Patricio, who was two minutes later forced to tip a fierce Adem Ljajic shot from 20 metres over the bar. Taunted by chants of "Messi" from Serbia's die-hard fans, Ronaldo demonstrated his class in the 80th minute when he took a Bernardo Silva pass in his stride and coolly dinked the ball over the advancing Dmitrovic. Serbia refused to roll over as Aleksandar Mitrovic drove a shot from inside the penalty area into the roof of the net after a defensive blunder in the 85th minute but Silva sealed the contest with a clinical finish barely 60 seconds later.

Portugal rekindle Euro hopes with 4-2 win in Serbia

Unlike many of its European neighbours, Portugal is currently trying to attract refugees, encouraging immigration to boost their workforce and combat a dwindling population.

From rescue in the Med, to a migrant's life in Portugal

Portuguese football&nbsp;star Cristiano Ronaldo will face no charges in Las Vegas in connection with a 10-year-old sexual assault allegation because the case cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, prosecutors said on Monday.

Ronaldo, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest football&nbsp;players of all time and plays for the Italian club Juventus &lt;JUVE.MI&gt;, has maintained he is innocent.

Kathryn Mayorga filed a civil lawsuit in September 2018 in state court in Nevada accusing the athlete of raping her in a Las Vegas hotel penthouse suite in 2009, then paying her $375,000 in hush money.

A woman called Las Vegas police on June 13, 2009 to report that she had been sexually assaulted and police took her to the hospital for an examination, the Clark County District Attorney's Office said in a statement on Monday. She declined to identify the person who she said assaulted her.

The statement did not identify the woman, but Mayorga's civil lawsuit mirrors the allegation outlined by prosecutors.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-is-free-to-play-where-he-wants-maurizio-sarri-237740">'Cristiano Ronaldo is free to play where he wants': Maurizio Sarri</a>

Mayorga and Ronaldo reached a civil settlement in 2010 and law enforcement did not hear again from her until August&nbsp;28, 2018, when she asked police to reopen the investigation. She said Ronaldo was the person who sexually assaulted her, prosecutors said.

Las Vegas police on July 8 asked the Clark County District Attorney's Office to prosecute the case.

"Based upon a review of the information presented at this time, the allegations of sexual assault against Cristiano Ronaldo cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt," the District Attorney's Office said in a statement on Monday.

Ronaldo's attorney, Peter Christiansen, did not return calls. Attorneys for Mayorga could not be reached for comment.

Las Vegas police said in January they had formally asked Italian authorities to obtain a DNA sample from Ronaldo.

Police did not immediately respond on Monday to emails asking if they ever obtained the DNA.

The civil lawsuit, in which Mayorga sought more than $200,000 in damages, has been moved to federal court.

Mayorga and Ronaldo, according to the suit, met in Las Vegas at a nightclub before she joined a group of people going to his penthouse suite to view the Las Vegas Strip.

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo will face no charges in Las Vegas in connection with a 10-year-old sexual assault allegation because the case cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, prosecutors said on Monday.

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo will face no charges in Las Vegas in connection with a 10-year-old sexual assault allegation because the case cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, prosecutors said on Monday. Ronaldo, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time and plays for the Italian club Juventus <JUVE.MI>, has maintained he is innocent. Kathryn Mayorga filed a civil lawsuit in September 2018 in state court in Nevada accusing the athlete of raping her in a Las Vegas hotel penthouse suite in 2009, then paying her $375,000 in hush money. A woman called Las Vegas police on June 13, 2009 to report that she had been sexually assaulted and police took her to the hospital for an examination, the Clark County District Attorney's Office said in a statement on Monday. She declined to identify the person who she said assaulted her. The statement did not identify the woman, but Mayorga's civil lawsuit mirrors the allegation outlined by prosecutors. Also Read: 'Cristiano Ronaldo is free to play where he wants': Maurizio Sarri Mayorga and Ronaldo reached a civil settlement in 2010 and law enforcement did not hear again from her until August 28, 2018, when she asked police to reopen the investigation. She said Ronaldo was the person who sexually assaulted her, prosecutors said. Las Vegas police on July 8 asked the Clark County District Attorney's Office to prosecute the case. "Based upon a review of the information presented at this time, the allegations of sexual assault against Cristiano Ronaldo cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt," the District Attorney's Office said in a statement on Monday. Ronaldo's attorney, Peter Christiansen, did not return calls. Attorneys for Mayorga could not be reached for comment. Las Vegas police said in January they had formally asked Italian authorities to obtain a DNA sample from Ronaldo. Police did not immediately respond on Monday to emails asking if they ever obtained the DNA. The civil lawsuit, in which Mayorga sought more than $200,000 in damages, has been moved to federal court. Mayorga and Ronaldo, according to the suit, met in Las Vegas at a nightclub before she joined a group of people going to his penthouse suite to view the Las Vegas Strip.

Ronaldo will not face criminal charges over rape allegations due to insufficient evidence

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-1000-firefighters-battle-portugal-wildfires-237372">Blazes in central Portugal </a>reached houses on Sunday, forcing locals to take matters into their own hands as they tried to protect their homes from huge wildfires with buckets of water and hosepipes as strong winds fanned the flames.

One of the three wildfires which broke out on Saturday in Castelo Branco, a district 225 kilometres (139 miles) northeast of Lisbon, is still burning. Having spread to the nearby Santarem district, they threatened several villages in the Vila de Rei and Macao municipalities.

Portugal's Civil Protection said some houses were destroyed by the flames but did not give a specific number.

Around 870 firefighters are on the ground according to the National Authority for Civil Protection. However, a Reuters photographer in Vila de Rei said few firefighters were visible.

The wildfire was easing as the wind loses strength and temperatures drop during the night, a Civil Protection official told reporters in the early hours of Monday.

Authorities have evacuated villages and fluvial beaches as a precaution and 30 people have been injured. One civilian is in serious condition and remains hospitalised with first and second-degree burns.

The fires stirred memories of a devastating wildfire in the central town of Pedrogao Grande in June 2017, the worst disaster in modern Portuguese history, which killed 64 people and injured more than 250.

"The fire is out of control, without resources on the ground, and the population at risk," Vasco Estrela, the mayor of Macao, told Portuguese radio station TSF on Sunday. "We never thought we would live through this again."

Images broadcast by Portuguese TV channel TVI showed villagers in Macao trying to protect their houses and animals as smoke filled the air, forcing many to wear masks.

Around 300 firefighting vehicles are still on the ground battling the blazes, along with 20 soldiers and four bulldozers, according to the agency.

"It's a calamity here," 75-year-old resident Maria Nazare told Reuters as she watered around her brother's house in Macao. "I'm more afraid of his house than mine because his house is made of wood and he's not here."

Internal administration minister Eduardo Cabrita said police had opened an investigation on the fires, adding that local authorities considered it unusual that all the blazes had started in a narrow time frame between 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm local time (1330-1430 GMT) on Saturday in the same area.

Portugal's judiciary police have collected some evidence and artefacts that could be related to the fires' origin, an official told Lusa news agency.

In a statement, police said that a 55-year-old man was detained on suspicion of starting a blaze in the Portuguese district of Castelo Branco.

Quoted by Portuguese newspaper Observador, a police source said the detention was not related to the ongoing fires. The police did not immediately reply to a Reuters request for comment.

Several municipalities in Santarem and Castelo Branco are still considered at maximum risk of fire, according to the national meteorological agency.

Authorities hope to bring the wildfire under control by the morning but temperatures are expected to increase on Monday, reaching 38 degrees C (100.4°F) in Macao and 35 degrees C (95°F)in Vila Rei, the two most affected municipalities.

The fires' smoky clouds could be seen from the Spanish border.

On Twitter, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides said he is following the situation closely, adding that the European Union is ready to provide help.

Blazes in central Portugal reached houses on Sunday, forcing locals to take matters into their own hands as they tried to protect their homes from huge wildfires with buckets of water and hosepipes as strong winds fanned the flames.

Blazes in central Portugal reached houses on Sunday, forcing locals to take matters into their own hands as they tried to protect their homes from huge wildfires with buckets of water and hosepipes as strong winds fanned the flames. One of the three wildfires which broke out on Saturday in Castelo Branco, a district 225 kilometres (139 miles) northeast of Lisbon, is still burning. Having spread to the nearby Santarem district, they threatened several villages in the Vila de Rei and Macao municipalities. Portugal's Civil Protection said some houses were destroyed by the flames but did not give a specific number. Around 870 firefighters are on the ground according to the National Authority for Civil Protection. However, a Reuters photographer in Vila de Rei said few firefighters were visible. The wildfire was easing as the wind loses strength and temperatures drop during the night, a Civil Protection official told reporters in the early hours of Monday. Authorities have evacuated villages and fluvial beaches as a precaution and 30 people have been injured. One civilian is in serious condition and remains hospitalised with first and second-degree burns. The fires stirred memories of a devastating wildfire in the central town of Pedrogao Grande in June 2017, the worst disaster in modern Portuguese history, which killed 64 people and injured more than 250. "The fire is out of control, without resources on the ground, and the population at risk," Vasco Estrela, the mayor of Macao, told Portuguese radio station TSF on Sunday. "We never thought we would live through this again." Images broadcast by Portuguese TV channel TVI showed villagers in Macao trying to protect their houses and animals as smoke filled the air, forcing many to wear masks. Around 300 firefighting vehicles are still on the ground battling the blazes, along with 20 soldiers and four bulldozers, according to the agency. "It's a calamity here," 75-year-old resident Maria Nazare told Reuters as she watered around her brother's house in Macao. "I'm more afraid of his house than mine because his house is made of wood and he's not here." Internal administration minister Eduardo Cabrita said police had opened an investigation on the fires, adding that local authorities considered it unusual that all the blazes had started in a narrow time frame between 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm local time (1330-1430 GMT) on Saturday in the same area. Portugal's judiciary police have collected some evidence and artefacts that could be related to the fires' origin, an official told Lusa news agency. In a statement, police said that a 55-year-old man was detained on suspicion of starting a blaze in the Portuguese district of Castelo Branco. Quoted by Portuguese newspaper Observador, a police source said the detention was not related to the ongoing fires. The police did not immediately reply to a Reuters request for comment. Several municipalities in Santarem and Castelo Branco are still considered at maximum risk of fire, according to the national meteorological agency. Authorities hope to bring the wildfire under control by the morning but temperatures are expected to increase on Monday, reaching 38 degrees C (100.4°F) in Macao and 35 degrees C (95°F)in Vila Rei, the two most affected municipalities. The fires' smoky clouds could be seen from the Spanish border. On Twitter, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides said he is following the situation closely, adding that the European Union is ready to provide help.

Villagers, firefighters battle huge blazes in central Portugal

More than a thousand firefighters battled Sunday to control wildfires in central Portugal that have forced village evacuations, in a region where dozens were killed in huge blazes in 2017.

The firefighters were deployed to tackle three fires in the mountainous and heavily forested Castelo Branco region, 200 kilometres north of Lisbon, according to the website of the Civil Protection.

Around 20 helicopters and aeroplanes were involved in efforts to douse the flames before nightfall made further flights impossible.&nbsp;

A civilian who suffered serious injuries and was evacuated by helicopter to Lisbon, Luis Belo Costa, the commander of the civil protection for the region said.

Four firefighters were also reported injured, and a further three were hurt after their fire engine collided with another.

The army said in a statement it was dispatching twenty soldiers and machinery to open routes "to facilitate access" for the firefighters.

Several national highways have been closed and a number of villages in the region have been evacuated as a precaution, the civil protection said.

Belo Costa said he hoped to have the three fires under control by early Sunday morning.&nbsp;

In a message, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his "solidarity with the hundreds fighting the scourge of the fires."

Portugal is still traumatised by the deaths of dozens of people in huge blazes in 2017, with authorities taking extra precautions.

Fanned by strong winds, the fires had been spreading in three directions since Saturday afternoon.

Six regions of central and southern Portugal have been placed on maximum fire alert.&nbsp;

More than a thousand firefighters battled Sunday to control wildfires in central Portugal that have forced village evacuations, in a region where dozens were killed in huge blazes in 2017.

More than a thousand firefighters battled Sunday to control wildfires in central Portugal that have forced village evacuations, in a region where dozens were killed in huge blazes in 2017. The firefighters were deployed to tackle three fires in the mountainous and heavily forested Castelo Branco region, 200 kilometres north of Lisbon, according to the website of the Civil Protection. Around 20 helicopters and aeroplanes were involved in efforts to douse the flames before nightfall made further flights impossible. A civilian who suffered serious injuries and was evacuated by helicopter to Lisbon, Luis Belo Costa, the commander of the civil protection for the region said. Four firefighters were also reported injured, and a further three were hurt after their fire engine collided with another. The army said in a statement it was dispatching twenty soldiers and machinery to open routes "to facilitate access" for the firefighters. Several national highways have been closed and a number of villages in the region have been evacuated as a precaution, the civil protection said. Belo Costa said he hoped to have the three fires under control by early Sunday morning. In a message, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his "solidarity with the hundreds fighting the scourge of the fires." Portugal is still traumatised by the deaths of dozens of people in huge blazes in 2017, with authorities taking extra precautions. Fanned by strong winds, the fires had been spreading in three directions since Saturday afternoon. Six regions of central and southern Portugal have been placed on maximum fire alert.

More than 1,000 firefighters battle Portugal wildfires

More than 800 firefighters battled a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-1000-firefighters-battle-portugal-wildfires-237372">wildfire sweeping across central Portugal</a> on Sunday, after bringing under control two other blazes which left 20 people injured and prompted authorities to partially evacuate a village.

In a statement released on Sunday afternoon, police said a 55-year-old man was detained on suspicion of starting a blaze in the Portuguese district of Castelo Branco, where the wildfires started on Saturday before spreading to nearby Santarem.&nbsp;

"The suspect`s actions put people`s lives, houses and the forest at risk," the police said, without explicitly saying the detained man was responsible for the ongoing wildfire.&nbsp;

Internal administration minister Eduardo Cabrita said police had opened an investigation into the fires, adding that local authorities considered it unusual that all the blazes had started in a narrow time frame between 1430 and 1530 local time (1330-1430 GMT) on Saturday in the same area.

Strong winds and high temperatures were making it harder for firefighters to put out the remaining wildfire, although they have been able to control 85% of the flames in Vila de Rei, a municipality in Castelo Branco, 225 kilometres (139 miles) northeast of the capital Lisbon.&nbsp;

"(It will be) an afternoon of intense work," Belo Costa, a Civil Protection official, told reporters.&nbsp;

Thirteen airplanes and 243 firefighting vehicles on the ground are battling the blazes, along with 20 soldiers and four bulldozers.

Twelve civilians and eight firefighters were injured in Saturday`s fires, Cabrita said. One is in a serious condition and remains hospitalised with first and second-degree burns.

Castelo Branco remains under a yellow risk alert with temperatures expected to reach 31 degrees Celsius on Sunday, according to the national meteorological agency.&nbsp;

Ricardo Aires, the mayor of Vila de Rei, one of the affected municipalities, told Portugal`s public broadcaster RTP that there weren`t enough firefighters or resources.&nbsp;

Portuguese president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, said in a statement that he was following the situation closely and sent solidarity to those affected. 
&nbsp; 
In June 2017, a devastating wildfire in the central town of Pedrogao Grande killed 64 people and injured more than 250. The fire was the worst disaster in modern Portuguese history.

More than 800 firefighters battled a wildfire sweeping across central Portugal on Sunday, after bringing under control two other blazes which left 20 people injured and prompted authorities to partially evacuate a village.

More than 800 firefighters battled a wildfire sweeping across central Portugal on Sunday, after bringing under control two other blazes which left 20 people injured and prompted authorities to partially evacuate a village. In a statement released on Sunday afternoon, police said a 55-year-old man was detained on suspicion of starting a blaze in the Portuguese district of Castelo Branco, where the wildfires started on Saturday before spreading to nearby Santarem. "The suspect`s actions put people`s lives, houses and the forest at risk," the police said, without explicitly saying the detained man was responsible for the ongoing wildfire. Internal administration minister Eduardo Cabrita said police had opened an investigation into the fires, adding that local authorities considered it unusual that all the blazes had started in a narrow time frame between 1430 and 1530 local time (1330-1430 GMT) on Saturday in the same area. Strong winds and high temperatures were making it harder for firefighters to put out the remaining wildfire, although they have been able to control 85% of the flames in Vila de Rei, a municipality in Castelo Branco, 225 kilometres (139 miles) northeast of the capital Lisbon. "(It will be) an afternoon of intense work," Belo Costa, a Civil Protection official, told reporters. Thirteen airplanes and 243 firefighting vehicles on the ground are battling the blazes, along with 20 soldiers and four bulldozers. Twelve civilians and eight firefighters were injured in Saturday`s fires, Cabrita said. One is in a serious condition and remains hospitalised with first and second-degree burns. Castelo Branco remains under a yellow risk alert with temperatures expected to reach 31 degrees Celsius on Sunday, according to the national meteorological agency. Ricardo Aires, the mayor of Vila de Rei, one of the affected municipalities, told Portugal`s public broadcaster RTP that there weren`t enough firefighters or resources. Portuguese president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, said in a statement that he was following the situation closely and sent solidarity to those affected. In June 2017, a devastating wildfire in the central town of Pedrogao Grande killed 64 people and injured more than 250. The fire was the worst disaster in modern Portuguese history.

Police launch investigation as wildfire sweeps central Portugal

More than 700 women carrying heavy-flower-decorated trays took part in the traditional Trays Festival around the historic town of Tomar in Portugal on Sunday.

Decorated trays carried around Portuguese town

More than 14 million tickets have been requested for the 2020 European Championship during the first three weeks of the sales window, breaking the tournament's record for registrations, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-confirms-new-laws-will-not-be-implemented-at-nations-league-224205&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiWxcuw-afjAhXVmeYKHVSsAKEQFjABegQICxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3ZMjbLwNsE_mvjZDONjryK">UEFA</a> said on Tuesday.

In the month-long first phase of sales starting on June 12, 1.5 million tickets were made available to the general public as part of UEFA's "fan-first" ticketing policy for the tournament.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-qualifier-new-look-germany-edge-dutch-in-thriller-205490&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjNx_zP-afjAhW57XMBHZGnCcEQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw30oRc8lrvbXkiaKaOTLtZJ">Euro 2020</a>, which runs from June 12-July 12, is being played in 12 cities across Europe for the first time to mark the 60th anniversary of the competition.

European soccer's governing body said the demand for tickets among locals is highest in St Petersburg, London and Budapest, with more than 50% of tickets requested in these cities having been by supporters from the host nations.

The final at Wembley has received 1.3 million ticket requests, while the two semi-finals at the same venue have attracted a combined 1.5 million applications.

The first-phase tickets are being sold on euro2020.com/tickets until 1400 CEST (1200 GMT) on Friday.

The next phase of ticket sales will begin in December after the final <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-qualifier-new-look-germany-edge-dutch-in-thriller-205490&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjNx_zP-afjAhW57XMBHZGnCcEQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw30oRc8lrvbXkiaKaOTLtZJ">tournament </a>draw takes place on November&nbsp;30, with 1 million tickets on offer for fans of participating nations.

More than 14 million tickets have been requested for the 2020 European Championship during the first three weeks of the sales window, breaking the tournament's record for registrations, UEFA said on Tuesday.

More than 14 million tickets have been requested for the 2020 European Championship during the first three weeks of the sales window, breaking the tournament's record for registrations, UEFA said on Tuesday. In the month-long first phase of sales starting on June 12, 1.5 million tickets were made available to the general public as part of UEFA's "fan-first" ticketing policy for the tournament. Euro 2020, which runs from June 12-July 12, is being played in 12 cities across Europe for the first time to mark the 60th anniversary of the competition. European soccer's governing body said the demand for tickets among locals is highest in St Petersburg, London and Budapest, with more than 50% of tickets requested in these cities having been by supporters from the host nations. The final at Wembley has received 1.3 million ticket requests, while the two semi-finals at the same venue have attracted a combined 1.5 million applications. The first-phase tickets are being sold on euro2020.com/tickets until 1400 CEST (1200 GMT) on Friday. The next phase of ticket sales will begin in December after the final tournament draw takes place on November 30, with 1 million tickets on offer for fans of participating nations.

UEFA: Record 14 million tickets requested for Euro 2020

Countries including France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and Portugal are experiencing a massive heat wave that began on Wednesday.

Spain on high alert as heatwave sweeps across the country

Everton have signed Andre Gomes from Barcelona, both clubs said on Tuesday, after the Portugal midfielder completed a successful loan spell at the Premier League side last season.

"Barcelona and Everton have come to an agreement for the transfer of the Portuguese footballer Andre Gomes. The amount agreed to for the transfer is 25 million euros plus add-ons," said Barca's statement.

"Barcelona would like to publicly thank Andre Gomes for his dedication and commitment, and wishes him the best of luck and success in the future," the statement read.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/evertons-gomes-hit-with-three-match-ban-after-accepting-fa-charge-210986&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiDs-6O24bjAhWTMN4KHcNxDtcQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2iIqpfHfPWOqrobThjJzuJ">Gomes</a>, 25, endured a disappointing two years at Barca following a move from Valencia in 2016 for an initial fee of 35 million euros, making only six La Liga starts in his second campaign.

He later revealed his struggles to deal with criticism for his poor performances with Barca, telling magazine Panenka his time at the club had 'turned into a bit of a hell' and on occasions, he did not want to leave his house.

"I'm really happy to sign the contract with Everton – it wasn’t hard to decide, it was an easy decision and I’m very happy to have made it,” Gomes told Everton's official television channel.

“Last year was a really good experience for me. I just wanted to feel part of something special and I found it here,'' Gomes said.

Gomes was the second player to leave Barca on Tuesday after reserve team player Marc Cardona was sold to promoted La Liga side Osasuna for 2.5 million euros.

Everton have signed Andre Gomes from Barcelona, both clubs said on Tuesday, after the Portugal midfielder completed a successful loan spell at the Premier League side last season.

Everton have signed Andre Gomes from Barcelona, both clubs said on Tuesday, after the Portugal midfielder completed a successful loan spell at the Premier League side last season. "Barcelona and Everton have come to an agreement for the transfer of the Portuguese footballer Andre Gomes. The amount agreed to for the transfer is 25 million euros plus add-ons," said Barca's statement. "Barcelona would like to publicly thank Andre Gomes for his dedication and commitment, and wishes him the best of luck and success in the future," the statement read. Gomes, 25, endured a disappointing two years at Barca following a move from Valencia in 2016 for an initial fee of 35 million euros, making only six La Liga starts in his second campaign. He later revealed his struggles to deal with criticism for his poor performances with Barca, telling magazine Panenka his time at the club had 'turned into a bit of a hell' and on occasions, he did not want to leave his house. "I'm really happy to sign the contract with Everton – it wasn’t hard to decide, it was an easy decision and I’m very happy to have made it,” Gomes told Everton's official television channel. “Last year was a really good experience for me. I just wanted to feel part of something special and I found it here,'' Gomes said. Gomes was the second player to leave Barca on Tuesday after reserve team player Marc Cardona was sold to promoted La Liga side Osasuna for 2.5 million euros.

Everton sign Andre Gomes on permanent deal from Barcelona

Netherlands capitalised on two England defensive mix-ups in extra time as they came from behind to win their Nations League semi-final 3-1 on Thursday and set up a showpiece<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ronaldos-hat-trick-against-switzerland-sends-portugal-to-nations-league-final-224802"> final against Portugal</a>.

The Dutch went 2-1 ahead when defender Kyle Walker turned the ball into his own net after a mistake by team mate John Stones in the 97th minute and Quincy Promes completed the scoring in the 114th after Ross Barkley gave the ball away.

England thought they had scored in the 83rd minute when Jesse Lingard ran on to Barkley's pass to find the net but he was ruled a fraction offside after a two-minute VAR review.

The Dutch will face hosts Portugal in Sunday's final in Porto, while England were left to contemplate a fourth successive competitive semi-final defeat following their losses at the 1990 and 2018 World Cups and Euro 96.

"It was a war of attrition," said Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman. "We have beaten Germany, France and now the number four team in the world – this reflects our development. We haven't played semi-finals and finals so this is new to us but we're taking it in our stride."

It was the Dutch defence that initially went to pieces when the highly-rated Matthijs De Ligt failed to control a pass and tripped Marcus Rashford when the England forward slipped past him, giving away a penalty.

Rashford calmly sent Jasper Cillessen the wrong way from the spot in the 32nd minute.

England nearly returned the gift early in the second half when Walker was dispossessed by Memphis Depay but his shot was blocked by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

By now, though, the Dutch were in control and, while much of their possession was unproductive, they deservedly levelled with a powerful De Ligt header in the 73rd minute as the 19-year-old atoned for his earlier mistake.

England produced what they thought might be the winner with a flowing move which started on their own goal line. The ball found Raheem Sterling, who flicked it to Barkley and he slipped it through for Lingard to score.

But, with the celebrations complete, the referee chalked it off after Lingard was shown by VAR to be centimetres ahead of the last man.

After that, it all went downhill for England.

Seven minutes into extra time, Stones dwelled on the ball on the edge of his area and was dispossessed by Depay, whose shot was brilliantly parried by Pickford.

However, the ball broke loose, Promes got there first and, although he failed to make proper contact, it hit Walker and trickled into the net.

Another England fiasco followed when Barkley's heavy touch from a pass allowed Depay to nip in and he laid the ball off for Promes to seal the deserved Dutch win.

"We made too many mistakes in our third of the pitch, partly because of that pressure and partly because of errors by us," England manager Gareth Southgate said.

"It's very painful for everybody, it's a night where we have learned so much. It was tough to take in the end because you get to another semi-final, it should be a positive but everybody leaves even more deflated."

Netherlands capitalised on two England defensive mix-ups in extra time as they came from behind to win their Nations League semi-final 3-1 on Thursday and set up a showpiece final against Portugal.

Netherlands capitalised on two England defensive mix-ups in extra time as they came from behind to win their Nations League semi-final 3-1 on Thursday and set up a showpiece final against Portugal. The Dutch went 2-1 ahead when defender Kyle Walker turned the ball into his own net after a mistake by team mate John Stones in the 97th minute and Quincy Promes completed the scoring in the 114th after Ross Barkley gave the ball away. England thought they had scored in the 83rd minute when Jesse Lingard ran on to Barkley's pass to find the net but he was ruled a fraction offside after a two-minute VAR review. The Dutch will face hosts Portugal in Sunday's final in Porto, while England were left to contemplate a fourth successive competitive semi-final defeat following their losses at the 1990 and 2018 World Cups and Euro 96. "It was a war of attrition," said Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman. "We have beaten Germany, France and now the number four team in the world – this reflects our development. We haven't played semi-finals and finals so this is new to us but we're taking it in our stride." It was the Dutch defence that initially went to pieces when the highly-rated Matthijs De Ligt failed to control a pass and tripped Marcus Rashford when the England forward slipped past him, giving away a penalty. Rashford calmly sent Jasper Cillessen the wrong way from the spot in the 32nd minute. England nearly returned the gift early in the second half when Walker was dispossessed by Memphis Depay but his shot was blocked by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. By now, though, the Dutch were in control and, while much of their possession was unproductive, they deservedly levelled with a powerful De Ligt header in the 73rd minute as the 19-year-old atoned for his earlier mistake. England produced what they thought might be the winner with a flowing move which started on their own goal line. The ball found Raheem Sterling, who flicked it to Barkley and he slipped it through for Lingard to score. But, with the celebrations complete, the referee chalked it off after Lingard was shown by VAR to be centimetres ahead of the last man. After that, it all went downhill for England. Seven minutes into extra time, Stones dwelled on the ball on the edge of his area and was dispossessed by Depay, whose shot was brilliantly parried by Pickford. However, the ball broke loose, Promes got there first and, although he failed to make proper contact, it hit Walker and trickled into the net. Another England fiasco followed when Barkley's heavy touch from a pass allowed Depay to nip in and he laid the ball off for Promes to seal the deserved Dutch win. "We made too many mistakes in our third of the pitch, partly because of that pressure and partly because of errors by us," England manager Gareth Southgate said. "It's very painful for everybody, it's a night where we have learned so much. It was tough to take in the end because you get to another semi-final, it should be a positive but everybody leaves even more deflated."

Nations League: Netherlands enters final as England self-destruct

After facing a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Portugal in the Nations League semi-finals on Thursday, Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka enunciated that they were a better team and the only difference between both the teams was they had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-just-ronaldo-were-going-to-face-great-portugal-says-netherlands-virgil-van-dijk-225197">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>.

"I think we had a very good game. In my opinion, we were the better team but the difference is they have Ronaldo,'' Xhaka said.&nbsp;

''It's unbelievable what a player he is. He's one of the best players in the world," Goal.com quoted Xhaka as saying.

Portugal bigwig Ronaldo stunned the Switzerland side as he scored a hat-trick during the match to help his side secure a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nations-league-netherlands-enters-final-as-england-self-destruct-225107">spot in the final.</a>

"He's special because he knows always where you have to go and to be. I think we had him in our hands but, in the end, he scored three times and we lost the game. I think we can be proud of how we play, against a very good team," he added while praising <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ronaldos-hat-trick-against-switzerland-sends-portugal-to-nations-league-final-224802">Ronaldo</a>.

Xhaka also praised the 34-year-old for his 'unbelievable quality'.

"Those two are clear of the rest. If you play at 34 on this level you deserve a lot of respect. He shows in all the games - international and with Juventus - that he has unbelievable quality," Xhaka said.

Switzerland will now face England for the third position in the Nations League on June 9.

After facing a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Portugal in the Nations League semi-finals on Thursday, Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka enunciated that they were a better team and the only difference between both the teams was they had Cristiano Ronaldo.

After facing a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Portugal in the Nations League semi-finals on Thursday, Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka enunciated that they were a better team and the only difference between both the teams was they had Cristiano Ronaldo. "I think we had a very good game. In my opinion, we were the better team but the difference is they have Ronaldo,'' Xhaka said. ''It's unbelievable what a player he is. He's one of the best players in the world," Goal.com quoted Xhaka as saying. Portugal bigwig Ronaldo stunned the Switzerland side as he scored a hat-trick during the match to help his side secure a spot in the final. "He's special because he knows always where you have to go and to be. I think we had him in our hands but, in the end, he scored three times and we lost the game. I think we can be proud of how we play, against a very good team," he added while praising Ronaldo. Xhaka also praised the 34-year-old for his 'unbelievable quality'. "Those two are clear of the rest. If you play at 34 on this level you deserve a lot of respect. He shows in all the games - international and with Juventus - that he has unbelievable quality," Xhaka said. Switzerland will now face England for the third position in the Nations League on June 9.

Switzerland were better team, only difference was Portugal had Ronaldo, says Xhaka after facing defeat

Netherlands are all set to vie against Portugal for the Nations League final and former's Virgil van Dijk feels that it is not only Cristiano Ronaldo that they are going to face but 'great Portugal' side.

"We'll see. It's not only Cristiano Ronaldo we're going to face, we face a great Portugal. We will see what's going to happen," Goal.com quoted Van Dijk as saying.

Both <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nations-league-netherlands-enters-final-as-england-self-destruct-225107">Netherlands </a>and Portugal registered a 3-1 victory in the semi-finals against England and Switzerland respectively to secure their spot in the final.

Van Dijk is enthused about the final and stated that they are going to give everything.

"I'm looking forward to playing this final with this team, and we`re going to give everything that we can to hopefully hold that trophy in the end and do everyone proud," he said.

Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in the semi-final against Switzerland and Van Dijk is considered as one of the best defenders.&nbsp;

Therefore, the fans will witness a compelling clash between the two.

Van Dijk also eulogised <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ronaldos-hat-trick-against-switzerland-sends-portugal-to-nations-league-final-224802">Portugal </a>teenager Joao Felix and said, "I watch football as well, I've seen the Europa League. Everyone has seen him. He's a big talent for them. He has a bright future in front of him if he stays humble and keeps working hard."

Netherlands will compete with Portugal in the Nations League final on June 10.

Netherlands are all set to vie against Portugal for the Nations League final and former's Virgil van Dijk feels that it is not only Cristiano Ronaldo that they are going to face but 'great Portugal' side.

Netherlands are all set to vie against Portugal for the Nations League final and former's Virgil van Dijk feels that it is not only Cristiano Ronaldo that they are going to face but 'great Portugal' side. "We'll see. It's not only Cristiano Ronaldo we're going to face, we face a great Portugal. We will see what's going to happen," Goal.com quoted Van Dijk as saying. Both Netherlands and Portugal registered a 3-1 victory in the semi-finals against England and Switzerland respectively to secure their spot in the final. Van Dijk is enthused about the final and stated that they are going to give everything. "I'm looking forward to playing this final with this team, and we`re going to give everything that we can to hopefully hold that trophy in the end and do everyone proud," he said. Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in the semi-final against Switzerland and Van Dijk is considered as one of the best defenders. Therefore, the fans will witness a compelling clash between the two. Van Dijk also eulogised Portugal teenager Joao Felix and said, "I watch football as well, I've seen the Europa League. Everyone has seen him. He's a big talent for them. He has a bright future in front of him if he stays humble and keeps working hard." Netherlands will compete with Portugal in the Nations League final on June 10.

Not just Ronaldo, we're going to face great Portugal, says Netherlands' Virgil van Dijk

Evergreen Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick, including two late goals, to give Portugal a 3-1 win over Switzerland in a Nations League semi-final featuring an extraordinary VAR incident on Wednesday.

Ronaldo blasted Portugal ahead from a free kick in the 25th minute, his first goal for his country for nearly a year, but the Swiss equalised with a penalty after halftime which will raise more questions over the use of the VAR system.

After a largely anonymous second half, Ronaldo&nbsp;suddenly sprang to life to by scoring twice in the last three minutes to complete the 53rd hat-trick of his career and the seventh for his country, showing that even at 34 he is always a threat.

His goals -- his first for his country since last year's World Cup in Russia - rescued Portugal after the Swiss had dominated for the final half hour and threatened to snatch a shock win.

"There's no adjective to describe him," said Portugal coach Fernando Santos. "He's a genius. You can be a genius in art, and in sculpture and he is a football genius."

"It was an intense match, very hard-fought, against a very well-organised Swiss team," he added.

Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic was left to rue a missed opportunity.

"We had the chance to get a second but didn't take it. We got outnumbered at the back and conceded. Their top player made the difference," he said.

Switzerland created some early openings while Ronaldo missed a good early chance for Portugal when he dragged his shot wide after the Swiss gave away possession in defence.

But there was no mistake in the 25th minute when he went down under a challenge from Kevin Mbabu on the edge of the area, got up and sent his free kick fizzing past a wrong-footed Sommer and into the net.

Switzerland got back into the match in extraordinary circumstances after halftime

Swiss midfielder Steven Zuber went down under a challenge from Nelson Semedo as he ran onto Xherdan Shaqiri's through ball

and appealed for a penalty but play continued.

Portugal then went straight down the other end and were awarded a penalty for a foul on Silva.

The referee, after consulting the video assistant, then decided to review the Swiss incident on the pitchside monitor and awarded them the spot kick.

The incident seemed to unsettle Portugal and the Swiss took control with Shaqiri, looking to make an impression after getting limited playing time for Liverpool this season, at the centre of their best moves.

Steven Zuber and Haris Seferovic both missed chances and the Swiss were then destroyed by Ronaldo at his most deadly

Bernardo Silva produced a low cross from the right and Ronaldo swept the ball home with his first touch to rescue his side in the 88th minute.

Two minutes later, he collected the ball on the counter-attack, twisted past his marker and curled the ball into the far corner for his 88th international goal in 157 appearances.

Evergreen Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick, including two late goals, to give Portugal a 3-1 win over Switzerland in a Nations League semi-final featuring an extraordinary VAR incident on Wednesday.

Evergreen Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick, including two late goals, to give Portugal a 3-1 win over Switzerland in a Nations League semi-final featuring an extraordinary VAR incident on Wednesday. Ronaldo blasted Portugal ahead from a free kick in the 25th minute, his first goal for his country for nearly a year, but the Swiss equalised with a penalty after halftime which will raise more questions over the use of the VAR system. After a largely anonymous second half, Ronaldo suddenly sprang to life to by scoring twice in the last three minutes to complete the 53rd hat-trick of his career and the seventh for his country, showing that even at 34 he is always a threat. His goals -- his first for his country since last year's World Cup in Russia - rescued Portugal after the Swiss had dominated for the final half hour and threatened to snatch a shock win. "There's no adjective to describe him," said Portugal coach Fernando Santos. "He's a genius. You can be a genius in art, and in sculpture and he is a football genius." "It was an intense match, very hard-fought, against a very well-organised Swiss team," he added. Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic was left to rue a missed opportunity. "We had the chance to get a second but didn't take it. We got outnumbered at the back and conceded. Their top player made the difference," he said. Switzerland created some early openings while Ronaldo missed a good early chance for Portugal when he dragged his shot wide after the Swiss gave away possession in defence. But there was no mistake in the 25th minute when he went down under a challenge from Kevin Mbabu on the edge of the area, got up and sent his free kick fizzing past a wrong-footed Sommer and into the net. Switzerland got back into the match in extraordinary circumstances after halftime Swiss midfielder Steven Zuber went down under a challenge from Nelson Semedo as he ran onto Xherdan Shaqiri's through ball and appealed for a penalty but play continued. Portugal then went straight down the other end and were awarded a penalty for a foul on Silva. The referee, after consulting the video assistant, then decided to review the Swiss incident on the pitchside monitor and awarded them the spot kick. The incident seemed to unsettle Portugal and the Swiss took control with Shaqiri, looking to make an impression after getting limited playing time for Liverpool this season, at the centre of their best moves. Steven Zuber and Haris Seferovic both missed chances and the Swiss were then destroyed by Ronaldo at his most deadly Bernardo Silva produced a low cross from the right and Ronaldo swept the ball home with his first touch to rescue his side in the 88th minute. Two minutes later, he collected the ball on the counter-attack, twisted past his marker and curled the ball into the far corner for his 88th international goal in 157 appearances.

Ronaldo's hat-trick against Switzerland sends Portugal to Nations League final

Portugal paid the price for poor finishing after their captain and top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off the pitch with an apparent hamstring problem during their Euro 2020 Group B qualifier against Serbia on Monday.&nbsp;

A 1-1 home draw, which followed a 0-0 stalemate against Ukraine on Friday, left European champions Portugal on two points and Ronaldo on the sidelines after he limped off in the 30th minute of an absorbing contest.&nbsp;

The 34-year-old pulled up after sprinting for the ball and was replaced by midfielder Pizzi with Serbia leading 1-0 through Dusan Tadic's early penalty.&nbsp;

Central midfielder Danilo equalised with a long-range effort in the 42nd minute but the home side missed a string of chances as they lacked Ronaldo's killer instinct against a rugged Serbian defence.&nbsp;

Ronaldo appeared to be pointing towards his right hamstring as he received treatment near the corner flag.&nbsp;

Speaking later he said, "We played quite well and created lots of chances. We played better than against Ukraine, but when the ball doesn't want to go in, it simply doesn't go in."&nbsp;

Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic played down the impact of Ronaldo's misfortune as he was quick to point out that his injury-hit side missed several key players.&nbsp;

"As far as whether Portugal missed Ronaldo, you must know that we were missing lots of players -- and we do not have a huge selection to choose from, like some countries do," he said.&nbsp;

Ronaldo, whose club Juventus visit Ajax Amsterdam in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on April 10, was making only his second Portugal appearance since last year's World Cup.&nbsp;

Portugal paid the price for poor finishing after their captain and top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off the pitch with an apparent hamstring problem during their Euro 2020 Group B qualifier against Serbia on Monday.

Portugal paid the price for poor finishing after their captain and top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off the pitch with an apparent hamstring problem during their Euro 2020 Group B qualifier against Serbia on Monday. A 1-1 home draw, which followed a 0-0 stalemate against Ukraine on Friday, left European champions Portugal on two points and Ronaldo on the sidelines after he limped off in the 30th minute of an absorbing contest. The 34-year-old pulled up after sprinting for the ball and was replaced by midfielder Pizzi with Serbia leading 1-0 through Dusan Tadic's early penalty. Central midfielder Danilo equalised with a long-range effort in the 42nd minute but the home side missed a string of chances as they lacked Ronaldo's killer instinct against a rugged Serbian defence. Ronaldo appeared to be pointing towards his right hamstring as he received treatment near the corner flag. Speaking later he said, "We played quite well and created lots of chances. We played better than against Ukraine, but when the ball doesn't want to go in, it simply doesn't go in." Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic played down the impact of Ronaldo's misfortune as he was quick to point out that his injury-hit side missed several key players. "As far as whether Portugal missed Ronaldo, you must know that we were missing lots of players -- and we do not have a huge selection to choose from, like some countries do," he said. Ronaldo, whose club Juventus visit Ajax Amsterdam in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on April 10, was making only his second Portugal appearance since last year's World Cup.

Injured Cristiano Ronaldo limps off in Portugal qualifier

Cristiano Ronaldo does not think <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/injured-cristiano-ronaldo-limps-off-in-portugal-qualifier-205694">the injury which forced him out of Portugal's match</a> against Serbia on Monday is overly serious and he told reporters he expects to return to action in one or two weeks.

Ronaldo went off in the first half of the Euro 2020 qualifier with an apparent hamstring injury. The match ended 1-1.

"I'll know more in 24 or 48 hours," he told reporters.

"It happens, it's football. If you go out in the rain you get wet ... I'm calm, I'll be back in one or two weeks."

A long absence would be a blow to his club Juventus, who signed Ronaldo last year to boost their chances of winning the Champions League. Juventus travel to face Ajax Amsterdam in their quarter-final first leg on April 10 with the return six days later.

Both Ronaldo and coach Fernando Santos said the referee had apologised to them for not awarding a penalty to Portugal

for handball in the second half.

The referee initially gave the spot kick but then changed his mind. VAR is not used in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.

"It was very clear, the referee should have given it," said Ronaldo. "The linesman was 40 metres away so it seems a bit strange."

Santos said: "We saw the incident in the dressing room afterwards and neither we nor he had any doubt -- it was a penalty... He apologised."

Cristiano Ronaldo does not think the injury which forced him out of Portugal's match against Serbia on Monday is overly serious and he told reporters he expects to return to action in one or two weeks.

Cristiano Ronaldo does not think the injury which forced him out of Portugal's match against Serbia on Monday is overly serious and he told reporters he expects to return to action in one or two weeks. Ronaldo went off in the first half of the Euro 2020 qualifier with an apparent hamstring injury. The match ended 1-1. "I'll know more in 24 or 48 hours," he told reporters. "It happens, it's football. If you go out in the rain you get wet ... I'm calm, I'll be back in one or two weeks." A long absence would be a blow to his club Juventus, who signed Ronaldo last year to boost their chances of winning the Champions League. Juventus travel to face Ajax Amsterdam in their quarter-final first leg on April 10 with the return six days later. Both Ronaldo and coach Fernando Santos said the referee had apologised to them for not awarding a penalty to Portugal for handball in the second half. The referee initially gave the spot kick but then changed his mind. VAR is not used in the Euro 2020 qualifiers. "It was very clear, the referee should have given it," said Ronaldo. "The linesman was 40 metres away so it seems a bit strange." Santos said: "We saw the incident in the dressing room afterwards and neither we nor he had any doubt -- it was a penalty... He apologised."

Injured Cristiano Ronaldo expects to return in one or two weeks

Cristiano Ronaldo trained with the Portugal squad on Tuesday (March 19) for the first time since his recall to the national team last week.&nbsp;

The 34-year-old, who is Portugal's most capped player with 154 appearances and all-time leading scorer with 85 goals, had not been included for any games in the second half of last year following the 2018 World Cup.&nbsp;

Coach Fernando Santos had initially said that a mutual decision had been made to give Ronaldo a rest following his move from Real Madrid to Juventus but had been ambiguous about the player's future when questioned in November.&nbsp;

Portugal continued to flourish without Ronaldo, winning their Nations League group against Poland and Italy with a game to spare to qualify for the final four-team tournament which the country will host in June.&nbsp;

Ronaldo was charged by UEFA on Monday over his goal celebration during Juventus' 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid last week.&nbsp;

Cristiano Ronaldo trained with the Portugal squad on Tuesday (March 19) for the first time since his recall to the national team last week. The 34-year-old, who is Portugal's most capped player with 154 appearances and all-time leading scorer with 85 goals, had not been included for any games in the second half of last year following the 2018 World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo trained with the Portugal squad on Tuesday (March 19) for the first time since his recall to the national team last week. The 34-year-old, who is Portugal's most capped player with 154 appearances and all-time leading scorer with 85 goals, had not been included for any games in the second half of last year following the 2018 World Cup. Coach Fernando Santos had initially said that a mutual decision had been made to give Ronaldo a rest following his move from Real Madrid to Juventus but had been ambiguous about the player's future when questioned in November. Portugal continued to flourish without Ronaldo, winning their Nations League group against Poland and Italy with a game to spare to qualify for the final four-team tournament which the country will host in June. Ronaldo was charged by UEFA on Monday over his goal celebration during Juventus' 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid last week.

Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo trains with Portugal team for Euro 2020 qualifiers

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Cristiano+Ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> was recalled by the Portuguese national squad on Friday for the first time since last year's World Cup.

The 34-year-old, who is Portugal's most capped player with 154 appearances and all-time leading scorer with 85 goals, had not been included for any games in the second half of last year.

Coach Fernando Santos had initially said that a mutual decision had been made to give Ronaldo a rest following his move from Real Madrid to Juventus but had been ambiguous about the player's future when questioned in November.

Portugal continued to flourish without Ronaldo, winning their Nations League group against Poland and Italy with a game to spare to qualify for the final four-team tournament which the country will host in June.

However, any doubts about his future were removed when Ronaldo's name was among 25 read by Santos during a news conference for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Ukraine and Serbia

"Cristiano is the best player in the world and is returning to his team," said Santos. "Any team is stronger with him."

Portugal host Serbia in Lisbon on March 22 and Ukraine three days later.

Cristiano Ronaldo was recalled by the Portuguese national squad on Friday for the first time since last year's World Cup. The 34-year-old, who is Portugal's most capped player with 154 appearances and all-time leading scorer with 85 goals, had not been included for any games in the second half of last year.

Cristiano Ronaldo was recalled by the Portuguese national squad on Friday for the first time since last year's World Cup. The 34-year-old, who is Portugal's most capped player with 154 appearances and all-time leading scorer with 85 goals, had not been included for any games in the second half of last year. Coach Fernando Santos had initially said that a mutual decision had been made to give Ronaldo a rest following his move from Real Madrid to Juventus but had been ambiguous about the player's future when questioned in November. Portugal continued to flourish without Ronaldo, winning their Nations League group against Poland and Italy with a game to spare to qualify for the final four-team tournament which the country will host in June. However, any doubts about his future were removed when Ronaldo's name was among 25 read by Santos during a news conference for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Ukraine and Serbia "Cristiano is the best player in the world and is returning to his team," said Santos. "Any team is stronger with him." Portugal host Serbia in Lisbon on March 22 and Ukraine three days later.

Cristiano Ronaldo recalled by Portugal for first time since World Cup

Four people were killed when a helicopter-ambulance crashed in northern Portugal, the emergency services agency INEM reported Sunday.

The aircraft came down in the Valongo district, killing all on board: a Spanish doctor, a nurse and the two pilots. Local officials said the cause of the crash was not yet known.

The helicopter vanished from radar screens on Saturday at around 6:30 pm (1830 GMT), said civil protection officials. The wreckage of the Agusta A109S, run by British company Babcock, was found in the small hours of Sunday morning.

The helicopter had just dropped off a seriously ill patient at Porto, in the north, and was flying back to its base in Macedo de Cavaleiros in the northeast when it came down, said INEM.

This is the first serious accident since Portugal's emergency services started using helicopters in 1977, the agency said.

Four people were killed when a helicopter-ambulance crashed in northern Portugal, the emergency services agency INEM reported Sunday. The aircraft came down in the Valongo district, killing all on board: a Spanish doctor, a nurse and the two pilots.

Four people were killed when a helicopter-ambulance crashed in northern Portugal, the emergency services agency INEM reported Sunday. The aircraft came down in the Valongo district, killing all on board: a Spanish doctor, a nurse and the two pilots. Local officials said the cause of the crash was not yet known. The helicopter vanished from radar screens on Saturday at around 6:30 pm (1830 GMT), said civil protection officials. The wreckage of the Agusta A109S, run by British company Babcock, was found in the small hours of Sunday morning. The helicopter had just dropped off a seriously ill patient at Porto, in the north, and was flying back to its base in Macedo de Cavaleiros in the northeast when it came down, said INEM. This is the first serious accident since Portugal's emergency services started using helicopters in 1977, the agency said.

4 killed in helicopter-ambulance crash in Portugal

Former champions Germany and the Netherlands will meet each in qualifying for Euro 2020 after being paired together in Sunday's draw in Dublin, but World Cup semi-finalists England will not complain about their group.

The Germans were the most dangerous team outside the first pot of seeds for the competition, relegated due to poor recent results which included losing to the Dutch in the Nations League.

Joachim Loew's side will also face Northern Ireland, who they met at the Euro 2016 finals, as well as Estonia and Belarus in Group C.

The top two teams in each of the 10 groups will qualify for Euro 2020, which for the first time will be staged in 12 different venues across the continent.

The semi-finals and final will be played at Wembley, handing England a major incentive to go on and win the competition, fresh from reaching the last four at this year's World Cup.

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Gareth Southgate's side will be happy with a draw which places them in Group A along with the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Kosovo.

England are in a section with just five teams rather than six because they have qualified for the final four of the Nations League, which will be held next June in Portugal. The draw for that will take place on Monday.

World Cup winners France will meet Iceland and Turkey as well as Albania, Moldova and Andorra in Group H.

But with the top two in each group qualifying, and the safety net of play-offs to determine the last four qualifiers related to final positions in the recent Nations League, the prospect of any leading nation missing out on Euro 2020 is extremely slim.

The task looks tougher for Scotland as they aim to reach a major tournament for the first time since the 1998 World Cup -- they must take on Belgium, Russia, Cyprus, Kazakhstan and San Marino in Group I.

Scotland have, at least, already secured a play-off spot after topping their Nations League section.

The Republic of Ireland, with a new manager in Mick McCarthy, will meet Switzerland and Denmark in Group D as well as Georgia and Gibraltar.

Wales must take on World Cup runners-up Croatia in Group E alongside Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan.

Arguably the toughest group is Group F in which Sweden, Norway and Romania will likely compete for one berth behind Spain.

The qualifiers will begin in March, with the final round of games in November 2019.

Former champions Germany and the Netherlands will meet each in qualifying for Euro 2020 after being paired together in Sunday's draw in Dublin, but World Cup semi-finalists England will not complain about their group.

Former champions Germany and the Netherlands will meet each in qualifying for Euro 2020 after being paired together in Sunday's draw in Dublin, but World Cup semi-finalists England will not complain about their group. The Germans were the most dangerous team outside the first pot of seeds for the competition, relegated due to poor recent results which included losing to the Dutch in the Nations League. Joachim Loew's side will also face Northern Ireland, who they met at the Euro 2016 finals, as well as Estonia and Belarus in Group C. The top two teams in each of the 10 groups will qualify for Euro 2020, which for the first time will be staged in 12 different venues across the continent. The semi-finals and final will be played at Wembley, handing England a major incentive to go on and win the competition, fresh from reaching the last four at this year's World Cup. View this post on Instagram #EURO2020 qualifying ✅ Toughest group? 🤔 A post shared by UEFA EURO 2020 (@euro2020) on Dec 2, 2018 at 4:00am PST × Gareth Southgate's side will be happy with a draw which places them in Group A along with the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Kosovo. England are in a section with just five teams rather than six because they have qualified for the final four of the Nations League, which will be held next June in Portugal. The draw for that will take place on Monday. World Cup winners France will meet Iceland and Turkey as well as Albania, Moldova and Andorra in Group H. But with the top two in each group qualifying, and the safety net of play-offs to determine the last four qualifiers related to final positions in the recent Nations League, the prospect of any leading nation missing out on Euro 2020 is extremely slim. The task looks tougher for Scotland as they aim to reach a major tournament for the first time since the 1998 World Cup -- they must take on Belgium, Russia, Cyprus, Kazakhstan and San Marino in Group I. Scotland have, at least, already secured a play-off spot after topping their Nations League section. The Republic of Ireland, with a new manager in Mick McCarthy, will meet Switzerland and Denmark in Group D as well as Georgia and Gibraltar. Wales must take on World Cup runners-up Croatia in Group E alongside Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan. Arguably the toughest group is Group F in which Sweden, Norway and Romania will likely compete for one berth behind Spain. The qualifiers will begin in March, with the final round of games in November 2019.

Germany, Netherlands to meet in Euro 2020 qualifying as England given clement draw

Poland forward Arkadiusz Milik scored from a twice-taken penalty to give his already-relegated side a 1-1 draw in Portugal in their final Nations League match on Tuesday.

Portugal, who had already qualified for next year's semi-finals as winners of Group A3, went ahead with Andre Silva's near-post header from a corner in the 34th minute, his 15th goal in 31 appearances for the European champions.

Yet the hosts gave away a penalty when midfielder Danilo tripped Milik as he burst into the area and was sent off. Milik's first effort from the spot was disallowed for encroachment, but he held his nerve to score again at the second attempt in the 66th minute.

Portugal, without Cristiano Ronaldo who has not been selected since the World Cup, finished the group unbeaten with eight points from four games while Poland ended with two, both picked up away from home.

Poland forward Arkadiusz Milik scored from a twice-taken penalty to give his already-relegated side a 1-1 draw in Portugal in their final Nations League match on Tuesday.

Poland forward Arkadiusz Milik scored from a twice-taken penalty to give his already-relegated side a 1-1 draw in Portugal in their final Nations League match on Tuesday. Portugal, who had already qualified for next year's semi-finals as winners of Group A3, went ahead with Andre Silva's near-post header from a corner in the 34th minute, his 15th goal in 31 appearances for the European champions. Yet the hosts gave away a penalty when midfielder Danilo tripped Milik as he burst into the area and was sent off. Milik's first effort from the spot was disallowed for encroachment, but he held his nerve to score again at the second attempt in the 66th minute. Portugal, without Cristiano Ronaldo who has not been selected since the World Cup, finished the group unbeaten with eight points from four games while Poland ended with two, both picked up away from home.

Milik's twice-taken penalty gives relegated Poland draw in Portugal

Portugal coach Fernando Santos avoided directly commenting on Cristiano Ronaldo's international future on Monday, saying only that the 33-year-old was "with the team".

Ronaldo has not been selected for Portugal's squad since the World Cup, something which Santos initially said in September was a decision taken by mutual consent as the player needed a break following his move to Juventus from Real Madrid.

However, Portugal have continued to flourish without their most capped player and record scorer, leading observers to wonder how much he is needed.

The European champions have already won their Nations League group ahead of Italy with a game to spare and are set to host the semi-finals and final in June, a decision which has to be ratified by UEFA.

Ronaldo has posted messages of support to the team on Twitter and Instagram before and after matches, which Santos referred to on Monday –- but he would not go any further.

"If anyone has doubts about whether Ronaldo is with this team, they just have to look at his social media posts before and after the games," said Santos. "Apart from that, I'm not going to go public with private conversations."

The veteran coach clearly became tired of repeatedly being asked about Ronaldo.

"We keep going over old ground," he said. "It's not good for the national team, nor for the country. It’s taking away some credit from players who achieved qualification in brilliant fashion.

"We are talking about the best player in the world, but it's important also to talk about the players of tomorrow. You can keep insisting but it's getting difficult to keep answering the same question."

Portugal host Poland in their final Group A3 game on Tuesday, although the match is effectively a friendly with the Poles already relegated.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos avoided directly commenting on Cristiano Ronaldo's international future on Monday, saying only that the 33-year-old was "with the team".

Portugal coach Fernando Santos avoided directly commenting on Cristiano Ronaldo's international future on Monday, saying only that the 33-year-old was "with the team". Ronaldo has not been selected for Portugal's squad since the World Cup, something which Santos initially said in September was a decision taken by mutual consent as the player needed a break following his move to Juventus from Real Madrid. However, Portugal have continued to flourish without their most capped player and record scorer, leading observers to wonder how much he is needed. The European champions have already won their Nations League group ahead of Italy with a game to spare and are set to host the semi-finals and final in June, a decision which has to be ratified by UEFA. Ronaldo has posted messages of support to the team on Twitter and Instagram before and after matches, which Santos referred to on Monday –- but he would not go any further. "If anyone has doubts about whether Ronaldo is with this team, they just have to look at his social media posts before and after the games," said Santos. "Apart from that, I'm not going to go public with private conversations." The veteran coach clearly became tired of repeatedly being asked about Ronaldo. "We keep going over old ground," he said. "It's not good for the national team, nor for the country. It’s taking away some credit from players who achieved qualification in brilliant fashion. "We are talking about the best player in the world, but it's important also to talk about the players of tomorrow. You can keep insisting but it's getting difficult to keep answering the same question." Portugal host Poland in their final Group A3 game on Tuesday, although the match is effectively a friendly with the Poles already relegated.

Portugal coach ducks questions on Ronaldo's international future

The Portugal soccer squad tied Italy 0-0 this Saturday at Milan's San Siro Stadium and so added the point it was lacking to move on to the finals of the UEFA Nations League, to be contested in June 2019.

Portugal withstood the pressure of an Italy that dominated the match throughout the first half and set up many opportunities to take the lead - particularly two beautiful chances for Ciro Immobile, whose shots unfortunately went astray.&nbsp;

Fernando Santos's Portugal team, led by the defense of goalkeeper Rui Patricio, remains unbeaten in Group 3 and became the first squad guaranteed a place in the semifinals next June.&nbsp;

For its part, Italy had to settle for a tie, the sixth consecutive on its home turf, and wrapped up its drive toward the UEFA Nations League finals with one win, two ties and one defeat.&nbsp;

At the start it all looked different, when Italy's control of the ball pretty much kept Portugal at its own end of the field for the entire first half, but was itself held to a tie until halftime thanks to some deft blocks by Portugal's Rui Patricio and Immobile's misplaced shots at goal.&nbsp;

And then, as the minutes passed in the second half, the Italians lost their intensity while Portugal gained theirs to make it a very even contest. And despite Italian coach Mancini replacing Immobile with the much more dynamic striker Kevin Lasagna, the score ended as it began, 0-0.

The Portugal soccer squad tied Italy 0-0 this Saturday at Milan's San Siro Stadium and so added the point it was lacking to move on to the finals of the UEFA Nations League, to be contested in June 2019.

The Portugal soccer squad tied Italy 0-0 this Saturday at Milan's San Siro Stadium and so added the point it was lacking to move on to the finals of the UEFA Nations League, to be contested in June 2019. Portugal withstood the pressure of an Italy that dominated the match throughout the first half and set up many opportunities to take the lead - particularly two beautiful chances for Ciro Immobile, whose shots unfortunately went astray. Fernando Santos's Portugal team, led by the defense of goalkeeper Rui Patricio, remains unbeaten in Group 3 and became the first squad guaranteed a place in the semifinals next June. For its part, Italy had to settle for a tie, the sixth consecutive on its home turf, and wrapped up its drive toward the UEFA Nations League finals with one win, two ties and one defeat. At the start it all looked different, when Italy's control of the ball pretty much kept Portugal at its own end of the field for the entire first half, but was itself held to a tie until halftime thanks to some deft blocks by Portugal's Rui Patricio and Immobile's misplaced shots at goal. And then, as the minutes passed in the second half, the Italians lost their intensity while Portugal gained theirs to make it a very even contest. And despite Italian coach Mancini replacing Immobile with the much more dynamic striker Kevin Lasagna, the score ended as it began, 0-0.

Portugal keeps Italy off scoreboard 0-0 to move on to Nations League finals

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