Cristiano Ronaldo was highly instrumental in securing Portugal’s qualification for Euro 2024 as he extended his international goals record to 125 goals
The five-time Ballon d’Or holder scored two goals to help his team secure a 3-2 victory over Slovakia on Friday, October 13.
The impressive performance from the Al-Nassr star ensured Roberto Martinez’s side will be competing in Germany next summer.
The match in details
Portugal faced some challenges before emerging victorious in the thrilling encounter on Friday night.
Goncalo Ramos opened the scoring with a brilliant header assisted by Bruno Fernandes.
Ronaldo then capitalized on a penalty awarded for handball, converting it successfully.
Despite his earlier success, the 38-year-old renowned Portuguese captain Ronaldo missed an opportunity to score his second and Portugal’s third before the end of the first half, inexplicably failing to find the net from a mere six yards out.
Despite the heavy rain making conditions worse, Slovakia managed to pull a goal back thanks to David Hancko’s long-range shot, which was deflected into the bottom corner by Antonio Silva.
However, Portugal’s rescuer, Ronaldo quickly responded just three minutes later by tapping in another excellent cross from Fernandes at the back post, restoring his side’s two-goal lead.
Ronaldo’s future in international football was uncertain after an emotional departure from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Adding to the doubts, he made a transition from Manchester United to the Saudi Pro League, which is considered a step away from elite level football.
However, he has managed to maintain his position in the Selecao team and has played in all six qualifying matches in 2023.
And with his goals against Slovakia, Ronaldo not only reached his 125th international goal but also set a world record in both goals and caps with 200 appearances.
Although Stanislav Lobotka scored a late second goal for Slovakia, Portugal held on to secure the 3-2 victory.
With this win, Portugal now joins France, and Belgium, and hosts Germany in qualifying for Euro 2024, having won all seven of their Group J qualifying fixtures.
Meanwhile, Slovakia remains in second place in Group J, two points ahead of third-placed Luxembourg, whom they will face on Monday.
Portugal’s manager, Martinez, has made a strong impression since assuming control after the World Cup, triumphing in every match under his leadership.
In the course of their seven Group J fixtures, the winners of Euro 2016 have netted an impressive 27 goals while only allowing two goals, one of which was conceded during their recent encounter with Slovakia on Friday night.
What’s next for Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal?
The Al-Nassr star, Cristiano Ronaldo will next be seen in a thrilling action for his country when his side takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday, October 16.
The match is scheduled to take place at Bilino Polje Stadium with the kickoff set at 7:45 pm.
