Wed 21 June 2023:
Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Portugal, scored the game-winning goal in last-minute to defeat Iceland and make history by 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 Willumsson was sent off with 10 minutes to go in the Euro 2024 qualifier.
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.
Marking his 200th cap, the Portugal team’s official Twitter account featured the message: “How it started. How it’s going”, above a picture of a young Ronaldo playing in an early appearance for Portugal alongside a photo of a jubilant Ronaldo during Tuesday’s game.
ℂℝ𝟚𝟘𝟘
How it started How it's going pic.twitter.com/0HmbLZusZO— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 20, 2023
Ronaldo also padded his record for international goals
on Tuesday by netting his 123rd for Portugal – making it another memorable night for the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star.
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.”
200… TWO HUNDRED! 🤯
🇵🇹 @Cristiano Ronaldo reaches a double century of appearances for @selecaoportugal.
Incredible🙌#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/HJSnnXxOub
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 20, 2023
Asked about the most special game among the 199 played so far, Ronaldo could not choose just one.
“It’s hard to pick just one. I’ve had so many beautiful moments. The Euro 2016, the Nations League, but there are some many beautiful moments, and that’s why I prefer to say the next game is the best one,” he said.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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