Cristiano Ronaldo marks 200th Portugal cap with ‘special’ winner

REYKJAVIK – It all played out nicely for Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday, with the forward making his 200th international appearance for Portugal and crucially scoring the winner – like he has done on numerous occasions in his glittering career.

The 38-year-old is used to being the main man for club and country, but he still called the moment extra “special” as Portugal beat Iceland 1-0 away in their Euro 2024 qualifier.

The match appeared to be heading towards a 0-0 draw in Reykjavik until Iceland midfielder Willum Thor Willumsson was sent off late on.

Ronaldo, who plays his club football for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, struggled for much of the match but he repaid coach Roberto Martinez’s faith by slotting home from Goncalo Inacio’s knock-down in the 89th minute.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star’s record-extending 123rd international goal was initially ruled out for offside before being awarded by the video assistant referee.

“For me it’s (200th cap) an unbelievable achievement, it’s amazing,” said Ronaldo, who on Monday declared that he would never give up playing for Portugal despite his age.

“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.”

Prior to Tuesday’s game, Ronaldo had said: “200 games played proves the love I have for my country.

“For me it is an extremely important milestone. It means a lot, as 200 is a beautiful number that (no men’s player) has. I’m very proud because this is something I never thought I could reach. And I’m continuing to set records.

“I will never give up coming here (to the Portugal national team), because it’s always a dream.”

Ronaldo already held the record for most international appearances when he surpassed Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa, who held the record of 196 matches, during Portugal’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Liechtenstein in March.

Two more games followed, a 6-0 win over Luxembourg, also in March, and a 3-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina over the weekend.

Martinez, meanwhile, was full of praise for his star player.

“It was a nice script (for Ronaldo). There was incredible celebration, the first men’s player ever in world football to get 200 international games,” he said.

“When you are with him you realise, it’s the commitment and the desire he has, he is an example. He was fantastic. He made the 90 minutes in two games, but it didn’t surprise me. You can’t even imagine the years he’s playing at this level. He’s one of the best ever.”

Portugal remain two points clear of Slovakia at the top of Group J after a fourth straight win.

“The team were tired, but not physically. It’s more mental fatigue,” added Martinez.

“Against Iceland, a team that play with little risk and are well organised... Direct attacks need focus and we had that. It was a deserved victory.”

Slovakia, who are Portugal’s next opponents in September, won 1-0 away to Liechtenstein to stay unbeaten with three wins and a draw.

Luxembourg gave their unlikely bid to reach a maiden major tournament a boost with a brilliant 2-0 away victory over Bosnia to move into third spot, just three points behind Slovakia.

The top two from each group qualify automatically for the 2024 Finals in Germany. AFP, REUTERS