Portugal 3-1 Switzerland: Cristiano Ronaldo scores sensational hat-trick to secure Nations League final place on Sunday

Portugal 3-1 Switzerland: Cristiano Ronaldo scores sensational hat-trick to secure Nations League final place on Sunday
Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved to be the hero for Portugal with a hat-trick against Switzerland in the first ever Nations League semi-final.England and the Netherlands will have watched in fear as, after a largely anonymous game, the Juventus striker somehow managed to leave with the match-ball.getty2

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring the second of his three goals

After being felled in the first half, Ronaldo struck home a brilliant free-kick which left Yann Sommer completely stationery as the Swiss inquest began.The visitors did not deserve to be behind based on their first-half performance, but were level under controversial circumstances.After awarding Portugal a penalty, Felix Brych went back and checked VAR to a prior incident. After consulting with his monitor, the German awarded Switzerland a penalty, which Ricardo Rodriguez duly dispatched.But then Ronaldo took over.getty2

How on earth the Juventus striker is 34 is incredible

At 34, fans and critics alike are waiting with bated breath for the day the five-time Ballon d’Or winner slows down. But his sweeping half-volley and trademark run and finish show there is still so much life left in the man from Madeira.And his hat-trick heroics have breathed life into this tournament, which continues tomorrow live on talkSPORT between England and the Netherlands from 7.45pm.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

While Ronaldo’s stepovers and thunderbolt into the far corner for his third was like opening up a time machine to his masterful best from 2009, he was (unbelievably) overshadowed somewhat.The decision by Brych to award a penalty for Switzerland, despite there being a more evident infringement later on, will cause concern for even the most ardent VAR supporter.After consulting one of the pitch-side monitors, he ruled thatNelson Semedo had fouled Steven Zuber. As a result, Portugal’s spot-kick was cancelled, and the Swiss were given the chance to equalise through one of their own.Ricardo Rodriguez stepped up to take the penalty and scored, drawing Switzerland level and stunning the majority of those inside the Estdio do Drago.Had Portugal’s captain not stepped up, questions would have raged long into the night.

VAR CHAOS!Now now, what's going on here? Portugal think they have a stonewall pen, but the Swiss had a one waved away seconds earlier. The referee checks VAR and ends up awarding the Swiss penalty! Right decision? Watch on SS Main Event or follow here: https://t.co/UwAsrMqaoN pic.twitter.com/GBWI7LKbrV— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 5, 2019

WHAT NEXT?

The Netherlands take on England tomorrow night at the Estdio D. Afonso Henriques in Guimares to determine who will play Portugal for the prestigious Nations League trophy.You can listen to the game live on talkSPORT from 7.45pm on Thursday night.The final will be played back at the Estdio do Drago in Porto, also live on talkSPORT from 7.45pm on Sunday night.

---

West Ham United have had both their home and away kits for next season leaked online. The Hammers are yet to officially announce their new s
Hammers strips for next season are leaked and fans are loving
newsleak24.com/hammers-strips-for-next-season-are-leaked-and-fans-are-loving-them/
Brexit Party MEP Brian Monteith lives in south of France; Amber Rudd rules herself out of Tory leadership race and hints she could work with Boris Johnson
West Ham United 2019/20 kits: Hammers strips for next season

---

Marko Arnautovic has been urged to stay and make his own history at West Ham, amid reported interest in him from China. The Austrian forward has been linked with a move away from the London Stadium this month, with reports of a £35m bid from China for the 29-year-old former Stoke City man.
West Ham's Marko Arnautovic is the new Paolo Di Canio

---

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho told how to improve Romelu Lukaku. Romelu Lukaku has struggled for form at the start of the season but delivered an improved performance against Fulham.
Jose Mourinho rules out Manchester United return for Zlatan

---

Hudson-Odoi set to start Chelsea's FA Cup tie with Sheffield Wednesday According to the Mail , Callum Hudson-Odoi is set to start for Chelsea in their FA Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday. Maurizio Sarri has made the decision despite the teenager having submitted a transfer request to the club and meeting Marina Granovskaia, as he pushes for
'Hudson-Odoi is staying!' - Chelsea fans go wild after

---

powered by Microsoft News. Gary McAllister to miss Rangers clash with Celtic as he recovers from brutal street attack The Ibrox assistant is still recovering after being hospitalised in a
Man arrested after Rangers coach Gary McAllister attacked on

---

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri makes HUGE Spurs decision as Kepa issues grovelling apology MAURIZIO SARRI is ready to risk his Chelsea future on rebel keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga by starting him against Spurs after the his No 1 issued a grovelling apology to everyone at the club.
Chelsea fans call for Maurizio Sarri to be sacked after

---

Manchester United hopes of signing Dortmund star Jadon Sancho this summer are slim after the club's failure to finish in the top four. Metro.co.uk exclusively revealed in January that the
Jadon Sancho sends message to Man Utd over £100m transfer

---

Liverpool wonderkid Trent Alexander-Arnold reveals Jurgen

---

Chelsea legends John Terry and Frank Lampard could have been reunited at the beginning of this season… instead it will end with close friends stood in opposite dugouts when Aston Villa meet
Frank Lampard compares Derby's play-off final match to

---

CRYSTAL PALACE PREVIEW: Holloway hoping Gayle can step into Zaha's shoes as Eagles look to make a flying start New kit. For the first time in the club's history they will play in Blackburn
PREMIER LEAGUE NEW KIT: The strips your team will be wearing

---

Arsenal Transfer News: Arsene Wenger confirms that the Gunners are close to a new signing meant that the Gunners are still looking for their first win in the new Premier League season
Arsenal news: 'Of course they can!' - Robin van Persie backs

---