Having clinched a second UEFA Nations League title in the summer by defeating Spain in the final, Portugal will have been eager to carry that momentum into this WCQ cycle. And they did exactly in the first half as they all but secured the points before the half-time whistle.
They needed fewer than 10 minutes to break the deadlock as Joao Felix headed Joao Cancelo’s cross into the back of the net.
Despite the abundance of talent available to Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, captain and record goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo remains an immovable force in front, and he added to his staggering international goal haul by poking home Pedro Neto’s ball from close range.
Having provided the assist for the opener, Cancelo got himself on the scoresheet shortly after the half-hour mark by hammering in from close range.
Diogo Jota, who tragically lost his life in the summer, was on the minds of everyone at the stadium, and Cancelo paid tribute by using the former Liverpool forward’s video game-inspired celebration.
Within 60 seconds of the restart after half-time, Portugal grew their lead yet further through Ronaldo, who displayed his still-lethal finishing ability by firing home a fierce drive from 30 yards.
At that point, Portugal would have been forgiven for taking their foot off the gas, but they continued to push forward in search of more goals.
And after Ronaldo shot wide and Neto struck the post, they extended their lead further through Felix’s second of the night, the Al Nassr man taking a touch before volleying past Henri Avagyan.
After that strike, Armenia did provide a little more attacking threat, with Tigran Barseghyan’s low drive that was saved by Diogo Costa the pick of their chances, but the result had long been a foregone conclusion by then.
Portugal’s tally for the night ultimately stayed at five, moving to the top of Group F as a result.
They are assured of at least a place in the play-offs, but on this form, they will not need it. Armenia, meanwhile, can only dust themselves down and go again against the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday - with Hungary the other group participant, a play-off spot remains up for grabs.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)