Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated a new milestone by scoring the winning goal as Portugal defeated Iceland 1-0 in their European Championship qualifier at Laugardalsvollur on Tuesday night.
Prior to the fixture, the 38-year-old Ronaldo had been honoured by Guinness World Records for reaching 200 games for Portugal almost 20 years after he made his debut for the national side. He achieved the fete after overtaking Kuwait forward Bader Al-Mutawa’s 196-cap record in March.
Ronaldo celebrated once again at the final whistle after he scored the only goal in the game against Iceland, who played with 10 men after Willum Willumsson was sent off with 10 minutes to go. He missed a host of chances and was booked for diving in the 83rd minute but finally got the winner when Goncalo Inacio headed the ball down for the forward to score from close range.
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However, there was anxiety for Ronaldo as the Video assistant referee (VAR) had to check the goal for a possible offside before the Al Nassr forward was allowed to celebrate in his own distinctive style.
Speaking to the Uefa website after the game, Ronaldo said: “So happy. It’s that kind of moment that you never expect to do it, 200 caps. For me it’s an unbelievable achievement,” adding: “Of course, to score the winning goal, it’s even more special.”
On his most special game, the former Manchester United forward said: “It’s hard to pick just one. I’ve had so many beautiful moments. The Euro 2016, the Nations League, but there are many beautiful moments, and that’s why I prefer to say the next game is the best one.”
Portugal are now topping their Group J with 12 points from four matches, Slovakia are second with 10 points, Luxembourg third with seven while Bosnia and Herzegovina are fourth with three points.