Euro 2012: Portugal Looks Classy in Qualifying Match Dismantling of Bosnia

LISBON, Portugal—Cristiano Ronaldo led the Portuguese charge against Bosnia in the second-leg match of the qualification round of Euro 2012. After an unimpressive 0-0 draw back in Bosnia, Portugal lit up Benfica's Estádio da Luz (Stadium of Light) with beautiful football and a convincing 6-2 victory thanks to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo (2), Helder Postiga (2), Miguel Veloso and Nani.

The Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo drew first blood with his stunning 35-yard free-kick within the first seven minutes, which saw the crowd erupt and gave Portugal a massive amount of momentum.

Ronaldo then had a beautiful one-on-one finish against the Bosnian keeper, Asmir Begovic, giving him his 32nd international goal for Portugal.

Shortly after, Manchester United forward Nani scorched on a marvelous strike from 37 yards out and Portugal went up 2-0 in the 23rd minute of the match.

The Bosnians came back with a swift response and earned a penalty just before halftime. Zvezjdan Misimovic scored from the spot and the sides went into the tunnel just 2-1 at the break.

Cristiano Ronaldo started the second half with a classy goal from a brilliant Joao Moutinho pass and gave the Portuguese their two-goal lead back, 3-1, in the 54th minute of regulation.

Again, the Bosnians' resilience showed, and Emir Spahic shot past Rui Patricio and left the match at 3-2, creating an unsettling feeling for the home side. 

Dzeko had a quiet match and found little to no success against the Portuguese defense.

Perhaps the end of the Bosnian hope was the entrance of Ruben Micael, who placed a beautiful set-up for Helder Postiga to bury a left-footed shot and left the Portuguese crowd chanting "Euro 2012" with a 4-2 lead.

The fifth goal came from Miguel Veloso. Another spot kick on the right side with Ronaldo and Veloso set up and a wall expecting a second "tomahawk" shot from Ronaldo. Instead, Miguel Veloso gracefully curled the ball over the wall and into the net, leaving the Bosnian keeper and team stunned. Portugal, 5-2.

Shortly thereafter, Fabio Coentrao made a majestic centering cross and Helder Postiga headed her home for the final score of 6-2.  

Bosnia is an extremely tough team, and they did not give up as easily as the score line suggests. Being reduced to 10-men after Senad Lulic was given a red in the 54th minute prevented the team from gaining a positive result, and they came up short against the Portuguese in a playoff for the second time in three years.

Portugal seem to need to be under pressure to play as well as they did, and that may not always be a good thing. The important thing is that they're qualified and we get to see the likes of Ronaldo in the Euro once again.

Greece coach and Portuguese national, Fernando Santos, is already calling a Euro 2004 Final rematch between Greece and Portugal. It is a long shot, but it would be a great redemption storyline. 

This Euro promises to be a great one, and there are only 205 days until kickoff. The groups will be released in December after the drawing in Kiev, Ukraine. The pots of the groups will be released later today. 

One thing is for certain—if this is an indication of how Ronaldo's form will be next year in the Euro, watch out for Portugal.