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Cristiano Ronaldo
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Ruthless Cristiano Ronaldo hits four for Portugal, while France and Dutch run riot in World Cup qualifying

The Real Madrid superstar was making his first appearance since he was stretchered off injured and in tears from the final of Euro 2016 and he wasted no time in making up for his three-month absence

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Cristiano Ronaldo takes on Andorra's Victor Rodriguez during their World Cup qualifier. Photo: AP
Agence France-Presse

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in the opening four minutes on the way to a four-goal haul as European champions Portugal smashed Andorra 6-0 in World Cup qualifying on Friday, while France recovered from a goal down to thrash Bulgaria.

The Real Madrid superstar was making his first appearance for Portugal since he was stretchered off injured and in tears from the final of Euro 2016 and he wasted no time in making up for his three-month absence from international football.

The 31-year-old took just 73 seconds to make his mark. He was wrestled to the floor at a corner but then jumped up to volley in left footed from around the penalty spot after the Andorra goalkeeper could only parry a Portugal header.

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Ronaldo, who has struggled to get back to his brilliant best for Real since returning from his knee trouble, was at it again two minutes later when he was left totally unmarked on the six-yard box to rise and head in.

Cristiano Ronaldo (second left) and his teammates sing the Portuguese national anthem prior to their match against Andorra. Photo: AP
Cristiano Ronaldo (second left) and his teammates sing the Portuguese national anthem prior to their match against Andorra. Photo: AP
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It was only a matter of how many for the home side after that, as Portugal belatedly got three points on the board in group B, after losing in Switzerland in the opening group matches.

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