Cristiano Ronaldo scored last-minute winner on his 200th appearance for Portugal, he's inevitable
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Cristiano Ronaldo marked his record-breaking 200th appearance in a Portugal shirt by scoring a last-minute winner in their European Championship qualifier against Iceland.
Before kick-off at the Laugardalsvöllur Stadium, the Al Nassr striker was presented with a Guinness World Record plaque as he prepared to become the first male player to make 200 international appearances.
Speaking about the achievement ahead of Monday's game, Ronaldo said: "Two hundred games played proves the love I have for my country. For me, it is an extremely important milestone. It means a lot.
"I'm very proud because this is something I never thought I could reach. And I'm continuing to set records."
Cristiano Ronaldo receives a Guinness World Record award for becoming the first men’s player to reach 200 international caps. pic.twitter.com/QeylngnGuE
— TC (@totalcristiano) June 20, 2023
After being named in the starting XI alongside the likes of Rafael Leao, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes, the 38-year-old forward proceeded to increase his staggering international goal tally to 123.
Ronaldo, who made his debut for Portugal in 2003, showcased those trademark predatory instincts in the box when he poked home from Goncalo Inacio's cushioned header.
Roberto Martinez's side went on to secure the win to maintain their perfect record in Group J but on a record-breaking night for one of football's greatest ever players, the evening belonged to Ronaldo.
After the game, he said: "For me it's an unbelievable achievement, it's amazing. And, of course to score the winning goal, it's even more special."
Ronaldo scores winner against Iceland pic.twitter.com/ZN0fDP8FHf
— aminfc (@thego3t) June 20, 2023
He added: "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, meanwhile, has insisted that he would "never turn my back on my colleagues and my country" ahead of Euro 2024.
In fact, in September last year at the 2022 Gala Quinas de Ouro, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward said he hopes to be part of the Portugal set-up for "a few more years".
“I still feel motivated, my ambition is high. My path in the national team is not over. We have many quality youngsters," he said. “I will be at the World Cup, and I want to be at the European [Championship in 2024].”
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Featured Image Credit: Portugal/Twitter
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Al Nassr, Iceland, Euro 2024
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