The veteran scored the 2-0 goal in the 2-1 (2-1) victory in Lisbon. European champions Spain had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Serbia in Belgrade at the start of the competition.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the 900th goal of his professional career in the Nations League, giving Portugal a home victory against Croatia. The veteran scored the 2-0 goal in the 2-1 (2-1) victory in Lisbon on Thursday evening. European champions Spain had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Serbia in Belgrade at the start of the competition. San Marino achieved something historic. The football dwarf won 1-0 against Liechtenstein, its first ever competitive match.
In Lisbon, it was time for a farewell. Pepe, who retired from professional football in the summer at the age of 41, was ceremoniously honored before kick-off. Two players who will soon be turning 40 were on the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo (39) started for Portugal, while Luka Modric (38) ran in for the visitors – also as captain. Right-back Diogo Dalot (7th) put Portugal ahead early on, before the moment came in the 34th minute: Ronaldo scored goal number 131 in his 213th appearance for the “Selecao”.
Criticism at the European Championships in Germany
He volleyed a cross from the left over the line from close range and then celebrated emotionally with his hands in front of his face. At the European Championships in Germany, the five-time world footballer was criticized because he continued to run in as a regular player without making any noticeable contribution to the team. He remained goalless at the tournament. Of his now 900 goals, Ronaldo has scored 450 for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United, 101 for Juventus Turin, 68 for his current club Al-Nassr and five for his youth club Sporting Lisbon.
The Croatians reduced the deficit before half-time, and Dalot (41′) also scored an own goal with his heel on the other side of the pitch. In the second half, however, Portugal largely had the game under control. No more goals were scored, and Ronaldo left the field in the 87th minute. In the parallel league match, Poland won 3-2 in Scotland thanks to a penalty goal from Robert Lewandowski, with the decisive goal coming deep into injury time.
Spain entered Belgrade with nine consecutive victories under their belt. The rejuvenated Serbs, however, successfully fought back against the European champions. Strahinja Pavlovic, who moved from Salzburg to Milan in the summer, put in a strong performance in defence, while his club colleague Luka Jovic missed a great opportunity to take the lead after just over half an hour. Spain controlled the game but was unable to capitalise. Young star Lamine Yamal and co. were too harmless in their shots. The “Roja” increased the pace again in the second half, but were unable to force the decisive goal.
Denmark beat Switzerland 2-0 in the second match of the A4 league thanks to late goals from Patrick Dorgu and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg. The Swiss were outnumbered for almost half a game after a red card against Nico Elvedi (50th minute), and Granit Xhaka was also sent off with a second yellow card at the end of the match. In the lower reaches of the Nations League, something historic was happening. San Marino celebrated after a goal by Nicko Sensoli (53rd minute). The underdog had only been able to celebrate one victory before: in a friendly against Liechtenstein in 2004. (APA)
