Cristiano Ronaldo scores the winning goal for Portugal in the record 200th game of the Euro 2024 qualifying round
As the first male player to participate in 200 international matches, Cristiano Ronaldo marked the occasion by scoring the game-winning goal in the 89th minute of Tuesday’s 1-0 victory against Iceland in European Championship qualification.
Before the game began, Guinness World Records recognised Ronaldo, 38, for playing in 200 games for Portugal, over 20 years after his debut. Additionally, he was there to score the late winner from close range, keeping Portugal on pace for Euro 2024 qualifying with its fourth victory out of four games in Group J. He was also celebrating after the game’s conclusion.
Romelu Lukaku and Erling Haaland both scored twice as Norway defeated Cyprus 3-1 at home, while Belgium defeated Estonia 3-0.
But another famous striker, Robert Lewandowski, was left heartbroken when his country, Poland, lost 3-2 to Moldova after holding a two-goal lead.
Germany, who will host Euro 2024, fell to Colombia 2-0 in a friendly match.
J Group
Ronaldo scored his 123rd goal for Portugal, extending his record for international goals and giving the former Real Madrid and Manchester United player another unforgettable evening.
“So joyful. 200 caps is the type of feat that you never anticipate accomplishing. For me, it’s an incredible accomplishment,” Ronaldo said on the UEFA website. Of course, it’s much more wonderful to score the winning goal.
Rafael Leo and Bruno Fernandes, colleagues of Ronaldo, had seemed to be more likely to create a chance in Reykjavik until Icelandic midfielder Willum Willumsson was dismissed with 10 minutes left in regulation after receiving a second yellow card.
Prior to scoring the game-winning goal when Goncalo Inacio headed the ball down for the striker to score from close range, Ronaldo had missed a number of opportunities and had been cautioned for diving in the 83rd minute. Even then, Ronaldo had to wait impatiently for a VAR review before he could celebrate in his own unique way.
Danel Sinani and Yvandro Borges Sanches scored in Luxembourg’s 2-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Slovakia defeated Liechtenstein 1-0.
A GROUP
Despite Haaland’s goals for Norway, Scotland defeated Georgia 2-0 to maintain first place in Group A. The game had been delayed for around 1 hour and 40 minutes due to heavy rain and a wet ground.
Prior to the game’s break, Callum McGregor handed the home team the early advantage. Despite their being a lot of water on the pitch, Scott McTominay made it 2-0 early in the second half.
Scotland improved to four points ahead of Georgia after their fourth victory in their previous four games.
With four points from four games, Norway is in third place, one point ahead of Spain, who has played only two games. On Sunday, Spain won the Nations League.
E Group
Poland lost against Moldova, its second defeat in three games, despite Lewandowski’s goal.
After three games, Albania moved into second place in the group, one point behind the Czech Republic, after a 3-1 victory against the Faeroe Islands.
With three points, Poland slid to second-to-last in the division.
AREA F
Three minutes into the game, Lukaku scored twice to help Belgium defeat Estonia 3-0.
After a dull first half, Lukaku scored with a flick to put Belgium ahead, and he doubled their advantage with another precise finish for his 75th goal in 108 international appearances.
In the last minute of regulation, Johan Bakayoko added the third goal to commemorate his first start for Belgium.
In the other group match, Austria defeated Sweden 2-0 thanks to two goals from Christoph Baumgartner.
With 10 points after three games, Austria is in first place, three points ahead of Belgium.
AREA G
Bulgaria and Serbia tied 1-1, while Hungary beat Lithuania 2-0.
With seven points and a goal differential advantage over Serbia, Hungary now leads the group.
