At 38, Cristiano Ronaldo has again demonstrated why he is considered one of the Greatest of All Time (GOAT). The Portugal striker scored a dying-minute winner in his record 200th international match to help his side secure a narrow victory over Iceland in a Euro 2024 qualifier. Portugal fans had to wait until the 89th minute of the match to relax in Reykjavík following a dismal performance, but it was worth it as their talisman celebrated the historic feat in style.
The home team had better opportunities in the first half, although having less possession of the ball than Portugal. The game seemed to conclude goalless, but the deadlock was broken a few minutes before the final whistle by Portugal's skipper, who scored his 123rd international goal. Ronaldo didn't look too dangerous, but Iceland was a player short, allowing the forward to sneak unmarked at the forward post and tap the ball into the net.
After the victory, Ronaldo expressed his joy at the remarkable achievement: "For me, it's an unbelievable achievement, it's amazing. And, of course, to score the winning goal, it's even more special. We didn't play so well, but sometimes football is like that. But we scored a goal and, in my opinion, we deserved it. I'm so happy because of 200 caps, but this is even more special."
Ronaldo receives Guinness World Record award
Since his debut in 2003, Ronaldo has been a great asset to his national team and has graced his 20-year career with goals and numerous accolades. Ronaldo became the first player to reach 200 international caps, a feat recognized by the Guinness Book of Records, which presented him with a certificate for his achievement ahead of Portugal's clash against Iceland.
The Al Nassr striker is the all-time leading goalscorer in international football, and the legend shows no signs of stopping as he recently opened up about his future with his national team. Ronaldo scored five goals in his last four matches for Portugal.
“I'll stay here until I, the
Here's how fans reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo's winner against Iceland in the Euro 2024 Qualifiers:
A living legend .... GOAT of all GOATS much love CR7 @Cristiano 💪💪♥️♥️
— Mazi OKORO (@MaziokoroO) June 20, 2023
Far better than 35yo Lionel Messi any day
— eku doug (@EkuruorhoreD) June 21, 2023
Bro scored a tap in Against 10 men Iceland team? What a shame!
— Adewuyi 💙❤️ (@hardeywhuyi1) June 20, 2023
He will score vs Luxemburg, ISL but not in WC 😂😅😅😅
— Hҽɱαɳƚԋ ⚔️ Dҽʋαɾα (@Hemanth39babu) June 20, 2023
The best🐐🔥 pic.twitter.com/SWF3M6f4dk
— Abdalla Delamon (@AbdallaDelamon) June 20, 2023
What a career! What a player and goal scorer. Among the greats but no WC no goat
— rohit kulkarni (@rohitnkulkarni) June 21, 2023
He will be remembered as the GOAT to have never won The World Cup...
— Dr Sir Tshwaks (@BraTshwaks) June 21, 2023
HalaRonaldo🙌
Ladies and gentlemen
— AL Kattabi الخطابي (@al_kattabi) June 20, 2023
The GOAT saves the day, AGAIN!
38 years!! 🔥🪐🐐
He's still him even at 38 🔥🔥
— Dani (@Danizeh) June 20, 2023