Cristiano Ronaldo beams from ear to ear after scoring last-minute winner in record-breaking win
Cristiano Ronaldo beams from ear to ear after scoring last-minute winner in record-breaking 200th international game – calling his own performance ‘incredible’
Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t hide his delight as he grinned from ear to ear after making his 200th appearance for the Portugal national team on Tuesday night.
The superstar scored the winning goal in Portugal’s 1-0 victory over Iceland to further solidify their hold on Group J of European Championship qualification, with Ronaldo being honored ahead of the match for his record-breaking performance.
Al-Nassr striker Ronaldo received a Guinness World Records certificate for having the most international caps for a male player before kick-off.
He celebrated the occasion fittingly by putting the finishing touches to Goncalo Inacio’s header, pushing the ball over the line and unleashing a wild celebration.
Ronaldo thanked the supporters in attendance and proudly labeled his 200th appearance as an ‘incredible achievement’.
Cristiano Ronaldo was delighted after scoring in his 200th game for Portugal on Tuesday
Ronaldo was honored by Guinness World Records ahead of his 200th international match for Portugal
‘So happy. It’s the kind of moment you never expect, to reach 200 caps. For me it is an incredible achievement. “Being in the Gunners World Records is amazing.” he told UEFA TV.
“Of course scoring the winning goal makes it even more special, so I have to thank the stadium, Iceland, the people, the fans, the stadium for organizing this kind of party for me.
‘Also to the Portuguese national team, the federation. I’m so happy. It’s a special day. I have to thank them all.
‘They made my day. They made my night, let’s put it that way. It’s not night, they made my day, let’s put it that way,” he added.
The former star of Manchester United and Real Madrid made his senior debut for Portugal against Kazakhstan in August 2003 and has become the country’s leading goalscorer with 123 goals.
Ronaldo grinned from ear to ear when interviewed after the game on Tuesday
The Portuguese star found the net in the dying minutes as he helped his side secure victory
Through his joint performances with the national team, he helped Portugal to the European Championship in 2016 and to victory in the Nations League three years later.
At last year’s World Cup in Qatar, Ronaldo became the first male player to score in five World Cups, but saw Portugal knocked out in the knockout stages.
He also holds the record for most international hat-tricks with ten and has found the net against 47 international teams during his career.
Tuesday’s win was only the second time he has scored against Iceland, while he recorded the most success against Luxembourg with 11 goals.