Cristiano Ronaldo responds to Bruno Fernandes hat-trick amid World Cup ban

Portugal qualified to the World Cup with Bruno Fernandes bagging a hat trick in their thrashing of Armenia at the Estadio do Dragao

Cristiano Ronaldo has taken to social media to respond to Portugal's qualification to the World Cup, with Bruno Fernandes scoring a hat-trick in their 9-1 victory over Armenia.

The Manchester United captain returned to the fold in action after missing Thursday's shock 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland. The defeat saw Ronaldo sent off as his foul on defender Dara O'Shea was deemed as violent conduct, ruling him out of Sunday's match at the Estadio do Dragao.

Fernandes stepped up and produced a stellar display in Porto, making up for his absence and scoring Portugal's fifth, sixth and seventh goals. "I think I've played much more complete games than this one," the Portuguese said after the game.

"The difference is that today I scored, and in the others I didn't. When a player scores goals, it gets noticed, it's in the newspapers, it's talked about, but that's not my objective.

"I know I'm a player who can bring goals to the national team, assists, and create plays; my role now involves a different function, being closer to the striker and helping us have more players in the box."

Ronaldo, who had returned to Saudi Arabia earlier in the week, watched from afar but celebrated his nation's achievement.

"We're in the World Cup. Let's go, Portugal," he wrote on Instagram.

Portugal won four of their six group games, losing to the Republic of Ireland and drawing with Hungary.

The Selecao may have to begin their World Cup campaign without Ronaldo following his sending off, though the Portuguese Football Federation are expected to appeal the suspension.

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