Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 200th match and led Portugal to victory in the last minute

Cristiano Ronaldo cheered the crowd in Reykjavík with his fists raised and a wide smile on his face. The star also took the time to take a selfie with a young fan wearing a CR7 jersey after the movie’s anniversary game.

The Portugal icon achieved another impressive feat, capping off his 200th game with the winning goal just before the end.

First, referee Daniel Seibert told the captain to wait, but then he was allowed to present his signature leap of joy to the fans. Minutes after being reviewed by the VAR, he scored his goal 1-0 against Iceland in the 89th minute.

It was initially ruled out due to an alleged offside situation by assist provider Goncalo Inacio.

Ronaldo: The brand is a ‘fantastic achievement’

Ronaldo, who was celebrating his birthday, described his mark as “an amazing achievement. Of course, scoring the winning goal is something very special.”

Coach Roberto Martinez agreed: “It was a great script. There was a great celebration because he’s the first footballer to have 200 caps.”

Incidentally, CR7 shot his team close to the 2024 European Championships in Germany with their 123rd international goal. Will the all-time international top scorer play in the tournament? naturally.

At least if it was up to the insatiable target himself. “I will never give up coming here because it’s always been a dream,” Ronaldo declared before the match.

He is also hugely important for Portugal following his move to Saudi Arabia, and has already scored five goals in four European Championship qualifying matches.

Ronaldo: “They are following me”

Six months ago everything looked different. At the World Cup in Qatar, former national team coach Fernando Santos suddenly no longer counted on his captain, and Ronaldo came off the bench only in important knockout matches.

A gradual end to the era was indicated. But after the World Cup, Santos left, while Ronaldo made an impressive return. And keep collecting landmarks.

“I’m not chasing records, they’re chasing me,” the 38-year-old stressed.

“I’m happy because it’s part of my motivation to continue at the highest level with the national team. It’s something I never thought I’d achieve.”

(SID)