LEIRIA, Portugal — Cristiano Ronaldo missed a pair of clear chances as Portugal wrapped up its World Cup preparations with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria on Wednesday.The 41-year-old striker, set to make a record-tying sixth FIFA World Cup appearance, was unable to add to his men’s international record of 143 goals despite being presented with one-on-one opportunities in both halves.Ronaldo was handed more playing time than any other outfield starter before being substituted in the 65th minute as Portugal coach Roberto Martínez managed his squad ahead of the tournament.Conceição seals victoryPortugal took the lead in the 23rd minute through Pedro Neto, but Nigeria responded 14 minutes later when Akor Adams found the equalizer.The winning goal arrived in the 75th minute through substitute Francisco Conceição, who cut inside from the right flank before curling a precise finish into the far corner.Conceição was among 11 substitutes introduced by Portugal during the match as Martínez rotated his squad in the final tune-up before the World Cup.Ronaldo eyes another milestoneAlthough he failed to score against Nigeria, Ronaldo remains one of the tournament’s main attractions as he prepares for another piece of World Cup history.The veteran forward will become the first player to feature at six men’s World Cups if he takes the field during the tournament.Portugal enters the competition as one of Europe’s leading contenders and will begin its Group K campaign against Congo before facing Uzbekistan and Colombia.The victory over Nigeria extends Portugal’s positive momentum heading into the tournament, although Ronaldo will hope to rediscover his finishing touch when the World Cup begins.LEIRIA, Portugal — Cristiano Ronaldo missed a pair of clear chances as Portugal wrapped up its World Cup preparations with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria on Wednesday.The 41-year-old striker, set to make a record-tying sixth FIFA World Cup appearance, was unable to add to his men’s international record of 143 goals despite being presented with one-on-one opportunities in both halves.Ronaldo was handed more playing time than any other outfield starter before being substituted in the 65th minute as Portugal coach Roberto Martínez managed his squad ahead of the tournament.Conceição seals victoryPortugal took the lead in the 23rd minute through Pedro Neto, but Nigeria responded 14 minutes later when Akor Adams found the equalizer.The winning goal arrived in the 75th minute through substitute Francisco Conceição, who cut inside from the right flank before curling a precise finish into the far corner.Conceição was among 11 substitutes introduced by Portugal during the match as Martínez rotated his squad in the final tune-up before the World Cup.Ronaldo eyes another milestoneAlthough he failed to score against Nigeria, Ronaldo remains one of the tournament’s main attractions as he prepares for another piece of World Cup history.The veteran forward will become the first player to feature at six men’s World Cups if he takes the field during the tournament.Portugal enters the competition as one of Europe’s leading contenders and will begin its Group K campaign against Congo before facing Uzbekistan and Colombia.The victory over Nigeria extends Portugal’s positive momentum heading into the tournament, although Ronaldo will hope to rediscover his finishing touch when the World Cup begins.
Ronaldo misfires as Portugal edge Nigeria in final World Cup warm-up
