Has the tiring 2016-17 football season taken a toll on Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo? Well, not quite, it seems, judging by his brilliant performance in the UEFA Champions League final against Juventus in Cardiff on June 4.
RESULT: Latvia 0-3 Portugal
Is the talismanic forward playing for his national team Portugal on Friday, June 9? Yes, the 32-year-old is very much part of the squad as the Euro 2016 champions take on Latvia in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Joining Cristiano is his Real Madrid teammate Pepe, his former Manchester United teammate Nani as well as midfield star Joao Moutinho, among others.
Portugal are playing their sixth match from Group B of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers (UEFA), aiming for a direct qualification to the World Cup The six teams play a total of ten matches each from the group and the top side makes a direct qualification to the FIFA event next year.
Currently, Switzerland are on top of the group with 15 points, while Portugal remain second with 12 points.
Do Latvia have any chance?
To be honest, the Latvia football team, who have just one win and four losses, have realistically no chance against the star-studded Portugal side.
With Cristiano joining his national team on the back of a huge morale-booster, Latvia have to try and stem Portugal's offensive tide.
In the other big match of Friday, Sweden take on France from Group A of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers (UEFA)
RESULT: Sweden 2-1 France
Latvia vs Portugal: Match schedule
- Date: June 9
- Time: 6:45 pm GMT (12:15 am IST - Saturday)
- Venue: Skonto Stadium, Riga, Latvia
Where to watch live
India: TV - Sony ESPN/HD. Live stream - Sony Liv
Portugal: TV - RTP 1
UK: TV - Sky Sports 5/HD. Live stream - Sky Go
Spain: TV - Movistar+
Latvia: TV - LTV7
USA: TV - ESPN 3. Live stream - Watch ESPN
Live score - Twitter
