Ronaldo delivers for Portugal

CRISTIANO RONALDO inspired Portugal to victory last night in Lisbon as his two goals help book their place in the Euro 2012 finals.

Having played out a 0-0 draw with Bosnia in Friday’s first leg, the Portuguese broke the deadlock at the Stadium of Light in stunning fashion.

Having won a free kick 40 yards from goal after eight minutes, Real Madrid goal king Ronaldo stepped up and sent his effort fizzing past static Bosnia keeper Asmir Begovic.

When Manchester United winger Nani produced another screamer to put the hosts 2-0 before 25 minutes had elapsed, Portugal looked set for a comfortable night.

However, led by their Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, Bosnia refused to go away.

Fabio Coentrao was penalised for handling in the area four minutes before the break and Misimovic waited for Rui Patricio to commit himself before scoring from the spot.

Eight minutes after the restart, Ronaldo again produced a touch of class to give Portugal some breathing room. Breaking the offside trap, Ronaldo rounded the Bosnian keeper before slotting home.

However, Darko Maletic then crossed for Emir Spahic, standing in an offside position, to slot under Rui Patricio.

The home crowd were again stunned into silence but the Potuguese pressure began to tell and finally the visitors cracked.

Helder Postiga drove in Portugal’s fourth on 72 minutes and Miguel Veloso then buried another free kick soon after. When Postiga added his second the hosts could party at last.

lMEANWHILE, Croatia cruised into next year’s finals after playing out a goalless draw against Turkey in Zagreb four days after their decisive 3-0 first-leg win in Istanbul.

PORTUGAL: Rui Patricio, Bruno Alves, Fabio Coentrao, Joao Pereira, Pepe, Veloso, Joao Moutinho, Meireles, Nani, Ronaldo, Postiga.

BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA: Begovic, Papac, Spahic, Jahic, Rahimic (Maletic 56), Pjanic, Misimovic, Lulic, Medunjanin, Zahirovic, Dzeko.

Ref: Wolfgang Stark (Germany).