News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

This article was first published 1 year ago
Home  » Sports » Cristiano Ronaldo first football player to reach this landmark...

Cristiano Ronaldo first football player to reach this landmark...

June 21, 2023 11:19 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

IMAGE: Cristiano Ronaldo already held the record for most international appearances when he surpassed Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa's, who held the record of 196 matches. Photograph: Portuguese National Team/Twitter

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a stunning late goal as Portugal beat Iceland 1-0 in Reykjavik on Tuesday to extend their perfect record in Euro 2024 qualifying Group J on an historic night for the forward who became the first player to make 200 international appearances.

 

Ronaldo already held the record for most international appearances when he surpassed Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa's, who held the record of 196 matches, during Portugal's Euro 2024 qualifier against Liechtenstein in March.

Portugal struggled to break the deadlock against Iceland but stepped up the pressure after Willum Thor Willumsson was sent off for a second yellow card after a rough tackle on substitute Goncalo Inacio in the 81st minute.

IMAGE: Cristiano Ronaldo honored by Guinness Book of World Records for becoming the first football player to complete 200 international matches. Photograph: Portuguese National Team/Twitter

Ronaldo had to wait two minutes to celebrate the winner as the referee first ruled out his close-range strike in the 89th minute for offside, but the goal was given after the VAR replay showed he was fractionally onside.

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

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

Portugal started more aggressively but Iceland slowly took control and had two great chances to lead in the first half through defender Victor Palsson and full-back Hordur Magnusson.

But Portugal responded after the break and gradually got into the game, with Ronaldo's goal securing the points.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

India In Australia 2024-2025