FIFA World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo-less Portugal make a stunning start against Nigeria 

On Thursday, as a part of their World Cup preparations, Portugal trounced Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon. Bruno Fernandes scored twice in the first half, while Goncalo Ramos and Joao Mario scored in the second.

As the World Cup approaches, heavyweights Portugal and Spain garnered the most attention on Thursday with convincing victories over Nigeria and Jordan, respectively. At the same time, Ghana shone against Switzerland, and Hakim Ziyech scored a fantastic goal against Georgia.

Another Manchester United Portuguese star, Bruno Fernandes, shone as Portugal defeated Nigeria.

Bruno Fernandes scored twice, the first an easy goal from seven yards out after some good work by Joao Felix, and the second a penalty.

Bruno Fernandes capitalised on his first opportunity in the ninth minute when Joao Felix found Diogo Dalot, who teed up Bruno Fernandes to touch into an empty net.

After Bright Osayi-hand Samuel's got in the way of a Bernardo Silva pass in the 35th minute, Portugal scored another goal thanks to Bruno Fernandes from the penalty spot.

In the second half, coach Fernando Santos made six replacements, and Goncalo Ramos scored Portugal's third goal right away.

The Portuguese dominated the second half until Diogo Dalot conceded a penalty in the 79th minute.

The penalty appeared to be a shot in the arm for Portugal, as they were 4-0 up minutes later.

In his stride, Goncalo Ramos collected a short pass from Raphael Guerreiro and fired a thunderous shot low towards the middle of the goal.

The final goal of the game was scored by Joao Mario, who sent the stadium's 45,000 spectators into a frenzy.

Antonio Silva, a 19-year-old defender for Benfica, made his debut in place of Pepe, who is still recovering from a long-term injury layoff.

Bruno Fernandes on his brace against Nigeria

After his incredible performance against the Super Eagles, Bruno Fernandes said about his and the team's performance.

"The perfection didn't exist, or at least it was tough to accomplish, but we made a great game, dominating every level. It was a win that gave us great confidence ahead of our debut against Ghana."

"We are a team; it is not about individuals, and we have a great group, young players that are up and coming and hungry. We are ready to the World Cup," The Manchester United player continued. 

Group H of the 2022 World Cup is considered one of the most exciting and competitive, with Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea fighting for the top two slots.

Portugal, which have not advanced past the round of 16 since 2006, and Uruguay, the regular dark horses, are the favourites to go to the knockout rounds; however, Ghana, which dropped out in 2018, and South Korea should not be overlooked.