Portugal held by Ukraine on Ronaldo’s return

By: The Associated Press Posted: 4:59 PM CDT Friday, Mar. 22, 2019 Last Modified: 5:48 PM CDT Friday, Mar. 22, 2019

LISBON, Portugal - Cristiano Ronaldo's return wasn't enough to give title-holder Portugal more than a 0-0 home draw against Ukraine in qualifying for the 2020 European Championship on Friday.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

LISBON, Portugal - Cristiano Ronaldo's return wasn't enough to give title-holder Portugal more than a 0-0 home draw against Ukraine in qualifying for the 2020 European Championship on Friday.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/03/2019 (2704 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

LISBON, Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo’s return wasn’t enough to give title-holder Portugal more than a 0-0 home draw against Ukraine in qualifying for the 2020 European Championship on Friday.

In his first international since the 2018 World Cup, Ronaldo threatened in attack but failed to break through Ukraine’s solid defence at the Stadium of Light, with goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov making a few big saves to keep the hosts at bay.

In the other Group B match on Friday, Luxembourg defeated Lithuania 2-1.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, right, challenges for the ball with Ukraine's Vitaliy Mykolenko during the Euro 2020 group B qualifying soccer match between Portugal and Ukraine at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Friday, March 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Ronaldo hadn’t played for Portugal since its elimination by Uruguay in the round of 16 at the World Cup in Russia.

Portugal has qualified for the semifinals of the inaugural Nations League, along with Switzerland, the Netherlands and England, and will host the finals in June.

The home team’s first real chance on Friday came when William Carvalho’s goal was disallowed for offside.

Ronaldo’s first opportunity was in the 22nd minute with a low shot from inside the area saved by Pyatov. The goalkeeper denied him again five minutes later, diving to his right to deflect his low shot following a run inside the area.