New Delhi, Nov. 16 -- Portugal produced one of the most one-sided nights in World Cup qualifying history on Sunday, thrashing Armenia 9-1 at the Estadio do Dragão in Porto to clinch top spot in UEFA Group F and seal their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The victory came just days after a shock 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland that saw captain Cristiano Ronaldo sent off. Without their talisman, Roberto Martinez's men answered every question with a ruthless display, scoring nine goals and handing Ronaldo the chance to appear at a record-extending sixth World Cup next summer.

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and Benfica teenager Joao Neves stole the headlines, both scoring three goals apiece in a dazzling team performance. ...