Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo scored an 89th-minute winner on his record-breaking night as he became the first-ever men's footballer to make 200 international appearances in Tuesday's Euro 2024 qualifying win against Iceland.
The 38-year-old captain was presented with a Guinness World Records framed certificate for his achievement before kickoff at the Laugardalsvollur in Reykjavik.
Ronaldo broke the world record in March when he earned his 197th Portugal cap against Liechtenstein, surpassing the previous record held by Bader Al-Mutawa who was capped 196 times by Kuwait.
The legendary forward, who now plies his trade with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, then took his international tally to 199 with an appearance in the 3-0 Euro 2024 qualifying win against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday, before bringing up the double century against Iceland.
Portugal were initially frustrated by a resilient Iceland outfit, but they eventually made the breakthrough nine minutes after the hosts were reduced to 10 men when Willum Thor Willumsson received his second yellow card on the 80-minute mark.
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β UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 20, 2023
After 20 years, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to break new ground.
Check out the list of the most-capped men's international players π»
Ronaldo marked the historic occasion with a close-range goal, his 123rd on the international stage, tapping home a first-time finish at the back post after receiving a headed assist from Goncalo Inacio.
Portugal's late winner was initially ruled offside, but Inacio was eventually deemed to be in an onside position following a lengthy VAR review, and the goal was allowed to stand to ensure that Roberto Martinez's men remain top of Group J with a perfect record after four matches.
Ronaldo is enjoying his 20th year as an international player for Portugal and has now scored five goals in four Euro 2024 qualifiers.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who has won the European Championships and UEFA Nations League with his country, has insisted that he has no intention of ending his national team career any time soon.
"I feel that I continue to be a great asset, not only within field but also outside," Ronaldo told reporters as quoted by The Mirror. "I want to continue because I feel I have a lot to give. And it's living in the moment, it's been very positive. The future only God knows. I want to continue.
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β Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 20, 2023
How it started How it's going pic.twitter.com/0HmbLZusZO
Commenting on his 200 international games, Ronaldo added: "It's hard to mention just one game, I think there were so many beautiful moments I lived... I can't mention one. It's always the easiest when you win, the finals, the European Championship, the Nations League. But there are many good moments.
"That's why I prefer to say that the most important game is the next game. But I don't leave out the beautiful moments we lived with the Selection. I will be the first in history to win 200 games, I am very proud of that, It's something I never thought about.
"Since the first day, I was international, it's always been a dream to play for the national team. I'll stay here until I feel I owe it, I, the president and coach. I'll never give up coming here, because it's always a dream. Two hundred games shows my love for the country."
Portugal are scheduled to face Slovakia away from home in their next Euro 2024 qualifier on September 8, before playing host to Luxembourg three days later.
Oliver Thomas
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