Cristiano Ronaldo draws Portugal close to Russia

Cristiano Ronaldo was the star for Portugal again as he came off the bench to score the first goal in Portugal's 2-0 win over Andorra.

Portugal went into the match, knowing that a win will keep their hopes of an automatic qualification alive. Coach Fernando Santos decided to start Ronaldo from the bench, most likely because the 32 year old is just a yellow card away from a one match suspension.

With group leaders Switzerland enjoying a 5-2 win over Hungary, the Portuguese needed a win to set up a mouth watering last group match against the Swiss.

Ronaldo unsurprisingly came on at half time, after a goalless first half. He opened scoring for Portugal just after the hour mark, with Andre Silva adding the second four minutes away from the final whistle. 

Cristiano Ronaldo has now been involved in 19 goals in 13 matches for Portugal in World Cup qualifying.

16 goals
3 assists

Unstoppable. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/NM1wywTDAH

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 8, 2017

The goal was Ronaldo's 79th goal for Portugal in 144 appearances.

Portugal are currently second in the group, but can still top the group and qualify automatically if they beat Switzerland at home in the last group match to be played on Tuesday.

Switzerland currently lead Portugal with three points, but the Portuguese have a superior goal difference.

If Portugal don't win on Tuesday, they go into the playoffs, which will involve eight best second placed teams.