Cristiano Ronaldo scored a sensational late goal to help Portugal defeat Iceland 1-0 on Tuesday, extending their unbeaten record in Euro 2024 qualification Group J. It was a historic night for the number 7 who became the first player to appear in 200 international matches.
Ronaldo had previously held the record for most international appearances when he surpassed Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa’s 196-match streak in March during Portugal’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Liechtenstein.
After Willum Thor Willumsson was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a hard foul on substitute Goncalo Inacio in the 81st minute, Portugal put the pressure on Iceland.
After the referee first disallowed Ronaldo’s close-range effort in the 89th minute for offside, the goal was eventually awarded after a VAR video revealed he was just barely onside. Ronaldo had to wait two minutes to celebrate this goal.
It was Ronaldo’s 123rd goal for Portugal, extending his record as the country’s all-time best goalscorer.
Portugal is currently top of the table with 12 points, 2 more than Slovakia in second place, which earlier on Tuesday defeated Liechtenstein 1-0 away.
Despite Portugal’s earlier aggression, Iceland slowly got the upper hand and had two excellent opportunities to take the lead in the first half, thanks to defender Victor Palsson and fullback Hordur Magnusson. Though Portugal fought back after the break and eventually into the match, Ronaldo’s goal sealed the victory.