Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s captain scored a last-minute winner on his historic night as he became the first men’s player to win 200 international caps in their Euro 2024 qualifying win over Iceland.
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However, the 38-year-old turned home Goncalo Inacio’s header from close range. The goal was initially ruled out for an Inacio offside but was awarded by the video assistant referee.
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That was Ronaldo’s 123rd international goal, extending his world record.
Astonishingly, Al-Nassr’s Ronaldo broke Kuwait forward Bader Al-Mutawa’s 196-cap record in March – and was given a certificate by Guinness World Records before kick-off to mark this latest landmark.
“For me it’s an unbelievable achievement, it’s amazing,” he said after the match. “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.”
Ronaldo is in his 20th year of playing for Portugal, having made his international debut in 2003, and is still a regular in the team despite leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia after the World Cup.
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The former Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward has won the Ballon d’Or five times.
His fifth goal of Euro 2024 qualifying helped take Portugal on to four wins from four games. Iceland, who have only won once, had Willum Willumsson sent off for two bookings with 10 minutes to go.
Cristiano Ronaldo makes history with 200th international appearance
Cristiano Ronaldo, a 38-year-old was handed a Guinness World Record before he started Portugal’s European Championship qualifier against Iceland.
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That’s because the game was Ronaldo’s 200th international appearance, a figure that no one else in elite European football history has come close to achieving. Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa is the closest with 196 appearances.
‘It’s that kind of moment that you never expect,’ says Ronaldo on becoming the first male player to reach 200 caps.
Ronaldo scored the only goal in the game on Tuesday against Iceland, who played with 10 men after Willum Williamson was sent off with 10 minutes to go in the Euro 2024 qualifier.
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Ronaldo said he was “very proud” to complete 200 games for Portugal. “So happy. It’s that kind of moment that you never expect to do it, 200 caps. For me it’s an unbelievable achievement,” Ronaldo told UEFA’s website. “Of course, to score the winning goal, it’s even more special.”
