A last-minute goal for a big anniversary: In his 200th game for Portugal’s national football team, Cristiano Ronaldo secured an important 1-0 (0-0) win in Iceland.
In the fourth game of qualifying for Euro 2024 in Germany, the Portuguese took their fourth success and are still alone at the top of Group J with twelve points. Slovakia (10) follows with a meager 1-0 (1-0) in Liechtenstein.
It was supposed to be a celebratory anniversary for Ronaldo, coach Roberto Martinez had given the five-time Ballon d’Or winner a starting XI guarantee – but for a long time it was a tough affair. Ronaldo missed a decent chance from a tight angle in the 69th minute and the game largely went past him. That changed in the 89th minute, Ronaldo dusted off to victory from close range.
The team of referees spent three minutes examining a possible offside position, and then it was clear: Ronaldo had scored his 123rd international goal in his 200th appearance, both of which are unmatched.
Unlike at the Winter World Cup in Qatar, the captain is now part of the regular team again under the new coach Martinez. In qualifying, he has started every game and scored five goals.