Cristiano Ronaldo scored a last-minute winner as Portugal edged out Iceland by a goal to nil on what was the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star’s 200th international cap.
The forward had to wait for confirmation of his big moment though. His close-range strike during the Euro 2024 qualifying match was initially ruled out because Goncalo Inacio, whose header set Ronaldo up, was adjudged to be offside by the on-pitch referee. The video assistant eventually awarded the goal.
In March, Ronaldo broke the record for international caps – previously set at 196 by Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa – and he was presented with a Guinness World Record certificate before kick-off.
“For me it’s an unbelievable achievement, it’s amazing,” he said at full-time. “And, of course to score the winning goal, it’s even more special.
“We didn’t play so well but sometimes football is like that but we scored a goal and, in my opinion, we deserved it. I’m so happy because of 200 caps, but this is even more special.”
Currently playing his football in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo is one of the most decorated players in football history, having won the Ballon d’Or five times.
He’s played for Juventus and Sporting Lisbon, as well as United and Real, and his goal means that Portugal have now won all four of their Euro 2024 qualifying matches, putting them two points ahead of Slovakia at the top of Group J.
Euro 2024 is based in Germany next year, the first time a major men’s international football tournament has taken place in the country since the World Cup of 2006.
With the next World Cup not taking place until 2026, Euro 2024 may well be Ronaldo’s last major tournament for his country. He will be hoping they can recapture the title-winning success of Euro 2016, when Eder’s extra-time goal was enough to help them beat France 1-0 in Paris.
Elsewhere in Euro 2024 qualifying, England’s progression to Germany should be a formality after commanding 4-0 and 7-0 victories over Malta and North Macedonia. Bukayo Saka hat-trick in the latter match was an undoubted highlight across the two games.
Scotland are also cruising following wins over Norway and Georgia. Steve Clarke’s men are now sitting pretty on 12 points at the top of Group A, eight points ahead of second-place Georgia.
However, there was less encouraging news for Northern Ireland, who languish towards the bottom of Group H with just three points to their name, and Wales, who need a miracle to qualify after defeats to Turkey and Armenia.
The Dragons have continued their poor form from the World Cup and now look a far cry from the team that lit up the tournament back in Euro 2016.
As for the hosts, fans may well be concerned for their hopes next summer. After their early exit at the World Cup, Germany lost both their international friendlies this week, going down to two defeats without scoring a goal in a 1-0 defeat to Poland and 2-0 loss to Colombia.
