Cristiano Ronaldo brace helps Portugal to qualify for Euro 2024
In recent football match news, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace as Portugal edged past Slovakia in a 3-2 thriller in Porto to book their place in the Euro 2024.
Ronaldo scored a first-half penalty and a second-half tap-in goal to help the Selecao secure a thrilling win against Slovakia. Portugal have topped Group J with seven wins in seven games, with 21 points secured.
New Portugal coach Roberto Martinez praised Ronaldo and said: “Cristiano Ronaldo is having a great time, playing a lot of minutes and scoring a lot of goals for his club.
“He has a lot of experience with the national team and he’s a reference point for young players.”
Cristiano Ronaldo scores his 125th international goal
With his brace against Slovakia, Ronaldo has also reached a new goal tally as he scored his 125th international goal. Portugal got off to a flying start after Goncalo Ramos scored a header past Martin Dubravka on the eight-minute mark.
Ronaldo then slotted home his 124th goal after Portugal were awarded a penalty just before the half-hour mark.
David Hancko managed to score a goal for Slovakia in the second half. However, just three minutes later, Ronaldo managed to restore Portugal’s two-goal lead after a brilliant cross from Bruno Fernandes for his 125th goal.
Moreover, this was also the same venue where Ronaldo scored his first-ever international goal against Greece in Euro 2004.
What Ronaldo said after helping Portugal to qualify for Euro 2024
The Al Nassr star expressed immense gratitude after propelling Portugal to secure a spot in the upcoming Euro 2024.
Ronaldo has been firing on all cylinders for both club and country despite being 38 years old. Furthermore, he stretched his unassailable goal-scoring record in men’s international football.
“We are at EURO 2024!” Ronaldo wrote on X.
He continued: “Very happy to help Portugal reach another final stage of a great competition. A special thank you to the Portuguese Football Federation and the fans present at the stadium for the beautiful tribute!”
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