Ronaldo gives Portugal late win on 200th international appearance

Lisbon, June 21 (BNA): Cristiano Ronaldo scored a stunning late goal as Portugal beat Iceland 1-0 on Tuesday to set their perfect record in Euro 2024 qualifying in Group J in a historic night for the striker who became the first player to reach 200. international appearances.

Reuters reported that Ronaldo had already achieved the record for most international matches when he beat Kuwaiti Bader Al-Mutawa, who scored the record of 196 matches during Portugal’s qualifying match for Euro 2024 against Liechtenstein in March.

Portugal struggled to break the deadlock against Iceland but stepped up the pressure after Willomson was sent off for a second yellow card after a tough encounter with substitute Goncalo Inacio in the 81st minute.

Ronaldo had to wait two minutes to celebrate the victory, as the referee canceled his shot from close range in the 89th minute, due to offside, but the goal was counted after re-displaying the video assistant referee, which showed that he was partially attacking.

It was Ronaldo’s 123rd goal for Portugal, continuing his record as the all-time international goalscorer.

The result left Portugal top with 12 points, two ahead of second-placed Slovakia, who won 1-0 away at Liechtenstein earlier on Tuesday.

Portugal started more aggressively but Iceland slowly took control of the ball and had two great chances to take the lead in the first half through defender Viktor Pallsson and fullback Hordur Magnusson.

But Portugal responded after the end of the first half and entered the game gradually, with Ronaldo’s goal scoring the points.

MI