Ronaldo crowned the occasion with an 89th minute goal, as Portugal edged 1-0 past a determined Iceland team
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Guinness World Records has officially presented Portugal international and Al Nassr forward, Cristiano Ronaldo with a certificate in recognition of being the first male player to reach 200 international appearances.
Ronaldo was honoured before the kickoff of Portugal’s European Championships qualifying game against Iceland on Tuesday, June 20, after donning his country’s jersey for the 200th time in almost 20 years.
The 38-year-old went on to crown the occasion with 89th minute goal, as Portugal edged 1-0 past a very determined Iceland team.
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It was as if the encounter was heading for a stalemate before Ronaldo’s close range effort won the match and kept Portugal on track for Euro 2024 qualification with its fourth win from four games in Group J.
With the win, Portugal are now top of the group with 12 points, they are closely followed by Slovakia who have 10 points, while Luxemburg are in third place with 7 points.
The three countries are followed by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland and Liechtenstein, who are in 4th, 5th and 6th positions respectively.
While receiving the award, Ronaldo described the game as a “triumph with a special flavor” and thanked Guinness World Records, Iceland and Portugal federations for the honour done to him.
He said: “Triumph with a special flavor. Not only for the day it was, for the tribute, for the 200th game… To top it off with a goal, I can’t ask for more. It was spectacular, unforgettable, for everything it generated around the game. I have to thank the Icelanders, to the federation for the surprise. And to Guinness World Records.”