There goes the final whistle - job done for Portugal!
90' +3
Ricardo Quaresma gets yellow.
Quaresma has his name taken after a rash challenge on Vardanjans.
90' +2
We are now into the second of three additional minutes at the end of this match.
90'
We have a break in play here as a young spectator runs onto the field in search of a selfie with Ronaldo! The security men are quickly on the scene, but there is no real harm to it in all fairness, although they cannot take any risks, of course.
88'
Portugal are just seeing this out now. It is another important three points for Santos' men - their fifth win on the bounce in Group B - and gives them momentum to build on going to Russia for the Confederations Cup.
85'
However, if there is one man who can transform Latvian fortunes, it is Starkovs. The 61-year-old guided them to the finals of Euro 2004 during his first spell - their only appearance to date at a major tournament - and is very highly regarded in his home nation. A great striker in his day - netting 189 goals in 417 appearances for Daugava Riga - he was selected as the "Golden Player" of Latvia by the Latvian Football Federation in November 2003, as their most outstanding player of the last 50 years.
82'
It is straight back to the drawing board for Latvia, who are set for a sixth straight defeat and third on the spin at home. In fact, you have to go back to September 2013 for their last competitive victory here courtesy of a 2-1 success over Lithuania.
80'
Nani enters the game and replaces André Silva.
Portugal make their final change as Nani comes on in place of Andre Silva for the final 10 minutes.
78'
SIDE-NETTING! Ronaldo shows a good turn of pace to get in behind the Latvia defence by latching onto a neat through ball. He goes for the hat-trick from a tight angle, but can only send his effort into the side-netting.
77'
Not only was this a vital World Cup qualifier for Portugal to claim three points and maintain the pressure on Switzerland, but it is also their final preparation before participating in the FIFA Confederations Cup for the first time. Drawn in a group with Mexico, Russia and New Zealand, Santos' men will be eager to make an impact at the quadrennial event.
Minute
Description
75'
O. Laizāns gets yellow.
Laizāns is the latest Latvian to have his name taken by the referee.
72'
E. Vardanjans enters the game and replaces J. Kazačoks.
Kazačoks' debut comes to a premature end as a heavy challenge results in him limping off to be replaced by Edgars Vardanjans.
71'
Nélson Semedo enters the game and replaces Cédric Soares.
Another change for Portugal sees Cedric given a rest and replaced by Nélson Semedo.
69'
Seven goals in eight games really is a remarkable ratio at international level for Andre Silva, who is certainly demonstrating that he has what it takes to potentially be the long-term successor to Ronaldo. Still 21 years old, it is frightening to think just how good he could become.
67'
D. Rakels enters the game and replaces D. Ikaunieks.
André Silva has scored a goal for Portugal! Assist by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo turned provider by neatly and unselfishly laying the ball into the path of Silva.
ANDRE SILVA MAKES IT THREE!!! Ronaldo turns provider on this occasion as Latvia get themselves into a right mess! The hosts try to play the ball out from a goal-kick and Silva slides in to dispossess Gorkss. Carvalho immediately finds Ronaldo who, in turn, rolls it across the area for the Porto striker to slide home his seventh international goal in just eight caps.
Starkovs immediately turns to the bench to withdraw Dāvis Ikaunieks in favour of Deniss Rakels.
65'
It is very unlikely that Ronaldo will score two easier goals for Portugal but, nevertheless they all count! He has now found the net for the 12th time in six international appearances and that should mean three points for Portugal.
63'
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored a goal for Portugal!
RONALDO YET AGAIN!!! 2-0 PORTUGAL! That should be game, set and match for the Seleccao as Ronaldo grabs his second goal of the game. Once again, he heads in from virtually on the line as Quaresma's cross takes a deflection and loops over Vanins, leaving the skipper with the simplest task of heading into an empty net for international goal number 73!
62'
D. Indrāns enters the game and replaces G. Kļuškins.
A first change for Latvia sees Kļuškins make way for Dāvis Indrāns.
61'
CHANCE! Portugal should have made it 2-0 and put this game beyond Latvia! Alves meets a corner with his head and the ball travels towards the unmarked Carvalho, who is unable to react quickly enough to direct it past Vanins.
59'
We have a slight break in play here as Solovjovs stays down following a painful collision of knees with Gomes. The defender screamed out upon impact, but should be fine to continue the match.
57'
Ricardo Quaresma enters the game and replaces Gelson Martins.
That was pretty much Martins' last action of the game, as he is quite rightly taken out of the firing line by Fernando Santos and replaced by Ricardo Quaresma.
55'
Gelson Martins gets yellow.
Martins has his name taken by the referee.
52'
Latvia have got to make more of the set-piece opportunities that they force. Once again, a free-kick situation comes to nothing for them as Portugal tidy up the danger without too many difficulties.
50'
Sabala is the highest scorer within this Latvia squad with 10 goals from 33 appearances and is carrying their greatest threat today. He has caused the Portugal defence one or two problems with his pace and movement, and will be eager to maintain those levels.
48'
A nervy moment for Portugal at the start of the second half as Fonte's mistake presents the opportunity for Sabala to run into the box. However, the West Ham United defender atones for the error by drowning out the Riga FC forward before he can cut inside and get a shot away.
46'
KICK-OFF! The referee blows the whistle and Latvia get the ball rolling once more.
45'
As the clock strikes exactly 45 minutes, the referee swiftly blows for half-time!
43'
It seems that every Ronaldo goal is an occasion or landmark nowadays. That was his 601st career goal for club and country, his fourth goal in four appearances against Latvia and 11th in six games for Portugal! He is also closing in on Ferenc Puskas' record for most international goals scored for a European nation - 84 is the target and he is now just 13 away from breaking that!
41'
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored a goal for Portugal!
WHO ELSE?!!! Ronaldo breaks the deadlock and heads Portugal into the lead! One of the most simple goals he will ever score puts his nation in front after Fonte's initial header crashes against the post and trickles across the goal line for him to head into the empty net. That is international goal number 72 for the talisman.
40'
Meanwhile, Ronaldo is fortunate to escape going into the book. The skipper is fouled by Sabala but protests to the referee by waving an imaginary card which, under normal circumstances, would result in the offender being shown a yellow card.
39'
Although, it is fair to say that the Latvia midfielder is very unlucky. Replays show that he barely made contact with Guerreiro, who certainly made the most of the situation.
38'
G. Kļuškins gets yellow.
The first yellow card of the day goes to Kluskins, who will miss Latvia's next match after a rash challenge on Guerreiro.
36'
GOOD SAVE! Once again, Ronaldo is allowed time to set himself and get a shot away from the edge of the box. This time, his drillled left-footed effort skids along the turf, but Vanins gets down well at his near post to push it behind for a corner.
34'
We are still goalless at the Skonto Stadium with both sides unable to break the deadlock inside the opening 34 minutes. Latvia will be the happier of the two, but cannot afford to get complacent at all.
32'
WHAT A WASTE! Latvia send men forward in anticipation of a decent delivery, but Kazacoks is unable to come up with the goods as he sends the ball aimlessly over everybody and out for a goal-kick.
31'
The hosts have another good opportunity to cause some problems as they are awarded a free-kick after a rash challenge by Guerreiro. Kazacoks is stood over the set-piece...
28'
Latvia look to apply some pressure on the European champions and force a corner down the left-hand side. However, once again, the delivery is dealt with rather comfortably and Portugal can relax again for a moment.
26'
Ronaldo is looking to maintain his goal-per-game record against Latvia today. As mentioned earlier, the Real Madrid forward was on target in the previous meeting between the nations on this ground in 2004, while he also netted twice in the reverse fixture last November.
23'
GOOD SAVE! Ronaldo cleverly manages to work a couple of yards for himself and lets fly with a sweetly struck effort that a flying Vanins is forced to tip over the bar. That was certainly more like it from the talisman.
21'
Elsewhere, Switzerland are also yet to find the breakthrough in the other key match in Group B. That means, as things stand, that Portugal could close the gap to just a single point by claiming a victory here.
19'
Meanwhile, sporting a new haircut today, Ronaldo proves to the watching world that he is human just like the rest of us. After showing some neat footwork, the reigning Balon D'Or winner overhits a fairly simple through ball looking for Martins on the wing and it runs aimlessly behind for a goal-kick.
17'
The Portuguese continue to grow in this match and Liverpool target Martins gets a sight of goal in the box. However, he pulls his effort wide of the far post and Latvia deal with the danger once again.
15'
Guerreiro comes across from left-back to take the corner but the delivery is nicely dealt with by the Latvians. Portugal are slowly gaining a foothold in this contest and the hosts need to be careful.
14'
Andre Silva looks to get in behind the Latvia defence and latch onto a long ball over the top. However, Gorkss reads the situation and clears the danger, but only at the expense of a corner.
11'
It is a historic day for Alves, who recently signed for Scottish giants Rangers, with the 35-year-old becoming just the seventh different player to reach 90 caps for Portugal. He would love to mark the occasion with a clean sheet and three points without a doubt.
9'
Portugal are looking a little nervy at the moment. This is epitomised as Alves mishits a simple pass across the defence to Cedric, who is unable to keep the ball in play and Latvia need to capitalise whilst in the ascendancy.
7'
It is worth noting that the Latvians come into this match on the back of five straight defeats, while their only goal during that span coming against Portugal in the 4-1 defeat in the reverse fixture in November. However, the Red-White-Red can be pleased with the start they have made here.
5'
Latvia have made a positive start to this game with Sabala and Ikaunieks causing problems for Portugal at the back. There is now a slight break in play after the latter accidentally caught Cedric on the top of his foot.
3'
The Portuguse are aiming to maintain their 100% record against Latvia today, having won each of the five previous meetings between the nations. This is only the second showdown at the Skonto Stadium, with Ronaldo the only survivor from the 2-0 victory in September 2004.
1'
KICK-OFF! The referee blows his whistle and Portugal get the match underway!
Hello everyone and welcome to LIVE text coverage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers! Today, we're at the Skonto Stadium in Riga, where Latvia welcome Euro 2016 champions Portugal. It's good to have your company!
It is fifth against second in Group B with Portugal aiming to keep up the pressure on leaders Switzerland, while Latvia will be hoping that this is where things really turn around for them.
Aleksandrs Starkovs begins his third spell in charge of the Latvians as he takes over the reins following the departure of Marian Pahars. He has opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation with Davis Ikaunieks playing the lone striker role, while receiving support from the likes of Valerijs Sabala in the attacking trio behind him. Experienced skipper Kaspars Gorkss earns his 85th cap in the heart of defence in front of veteran keeper Andris Vanins.
Cristiano Ronaldo returns for Portugal after missing the 4-0 win over Cyprus on Saturday due to his involvement in Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League success. He captains the side and is part of a three-man attack alongside Andre Silva and Gelson Martins, while Bruno Alves partners Jose Fonte in the heart of defence. Nani has to settle for a place on the bench with new Manchester City signing Bernardo Silva.
PORTUGAL (4-3-3): Patricio; Cedric, Alves, Fonte, Guerreiro; Moutinho, Carvalho, Gomes; Martins, Andre Silva, Ronaldo (c).
PORTUGAL SUBS: Sa, Adrien Silva, Eliseu, Pizzi, Danilo, Neto, Quaresma, Semedo, Nani, Bernardo Silva, Beto.
HERE THEY COME! The teams are making their way out onto the field at the Skonto Stadium. We will then observe the national anthems and kick-off is just moments away...
HALF-TIME: LATVIA 0-1 PORTUGAL
Cristiano Ronaldo's 72nd international goal is the difference between the two sides at the break. Latvia held their own with the Portuguese for most of the first half, but took their eyes off Ronaldo for a split second and that proved to be costly for them. Starkovs will be encouraging his players to bounce back at the restart.
The teams are back out and the second half is imminent...
FULL-TIME: LATVIA 0-3 PORTUGAL
A very comfortable victory for the European champions as Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice to take his international tally to 73 goals, while he also provided an assist for Andre Silva to seal the three points that maintains the pressure on Switzerland at the top of Group B. Meanwhile, Latvia slip to bottom of the table following this defeat coupled with a shock 1-0 victory for Andorra against Hungary.
That's all from the Skonto Stadium! Thank you for following our LIVE coverage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - hope you've enjoyed it. Until next time, see you soon!
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