By India Today Sports Desk: Cristiano Ronaldo shone in his record 200th appearance for Portugal as he inspired the former European champions to 1-0 win over Iceland at Laugardalsvollur in Reykjavk on Tuesday, June 20. Ronaldo netted the winning goal late in the second-half to celebrate the historic milestone in his career.
Ronaldo became the first man to make 200 international appearances on Friday. He was honored by Guinness World Records before kickoff in the Group J match between Portugal and Iceland. Ronaldo had broken Kuwait forward Bader Al-Mutawa's record for 196 international appearances earlier in March.
Ronaldo was not able to make much of an impact in the first-half but he delivered when it mattered, scoring from close range in the 89th minute of the contest. Ronaldo tapped in after Goncalo Inacio headed the ball down for the forward. There were a few anxious moments as the goal was checked by VAR before Ronaldo celebrated in his trademark style.
"For me it's an unbelievable achievement, it's amazing. 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 said after the victory.
Ronaldo's late winner helped Portugal extend their winning run to 4 from as many matches in Group J of Euro 2024 Qualifiers.
It was also Ronaldo's 123rd goal for Portugal. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star already holds the all-time record for the most number of international goals.
The result left Portugal top with 12 points, two ahead of second-placed Slovakia, who won 1-0 away to Liechtenstein earlier on Tuesday.