Joao Mario was recalled to the Portugal side as Cristiano Ronaldo’s fourth goal of the tournament handed the Euro 16 holders a tight 1-0 victory over Morocco.

Ronaldo met Joao Moutinho’s cross and nodded a powerful header past the helpless Munir Mohamedi to score the only goal of the game, in a result which meant Morocco became the first team to be knocked out of this year’s World Cup.

Mario came on as a substitute against Spain last week but was recalled to the starting eleven this afternoon, playing 70 minutes before being replaced by Bruno Fernandes.

The Portugal international ended the campaign on loan with West Ham from Inter Milan, where he made 14 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice.

Morocco did have their moments during the game but were made to pay for their wasteful finishing, although Portugal’s Rui Patricio was forced into an excellent save in the second half to deny Younes Belhanda.

The win puts Portugal top of group B for the time being and they return to action next week against Iran, who take on Spain later this afternoon.