Cristiano Ronaldo Record: Euro 2024 Qualifiers: Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo broke yet another record in his appearance for Portugal in Euro 2024 qualifiers match against Liechtenstein. The 38-year-old broke the men’s international appearance record with his 197th cap for Portugal in their 4-0 victory over Liechtenstein. Ronaldo celebrated his record-breaking appearance in remarkable style as the striker scored two goals, including a penalty and a free-kick. With two goals, CR7 brought his total number of international goals to a record-extending 120, making him the first player to score 100 times in competitive internationals. Follow Euro 2024 Qualifiers LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN
Ronaldo, who made his international debut in 2003, has a long list of individual records. He is the leading goalscorer in European Championship finals with 14 goals and has netted a record 140 times in the Champions League. He has also finished as the top-scorer in three of Europe’s top five leagues, in England, Spain, and Italy.
Despite questions about his future with the national team, Ronaldo remains focused on breaking more records. “Records are my motivation,” he had told reporters before the game. “I want to become the most capped player in history. That would make me proud. But it doesn’t stop there, I still want to be called up very often.”
Earlier, new Portugal manager Roberto Martinez had praised the Portugal veteran and called him a “committed player”.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is a very committed player.
“He can bring experience and is a very important figure for the team. I don’t look at age.”
Sensações tão boas por voltar a jogar e marcar pela nossa Seleção e num estádio especial para mim. Orgulhoso por ser o jogador mais internacional de sempre.🙌🏽🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/a6XcSEqLSE
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) March 23, 2023
Portugal made a perfect start to their qualification campaign, with a comfortable 4-0 win against Liechtenstein. Joao Cancelo provided the early lead in the first half in the 8th minute, while Bernardo Silva doubled the lead less than two minutes into the second half. Ronaldo then hammered a penalty in the 51st minute followed by a powerful free-kick from the edge of the box in the 63rd minute to complete a 4-0 win.
Portugal will visit Luxembourg in their second Group J qualifier on Sunday, where they will look to continue their winning form.
Follow InsideSport on GOOGLE NEWS / Follow football LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN