Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player in history to score 900 goals in official matches, achieving the feat on Thursday in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League.
Ronaldo scored the famous volley after a pass from Nuno Mendes to put Portugal ahead 2-0 in the 34th minute of play The Luz stadium crowd then cheered and gave him a standing ovation.
A five-time Ballon d’Or winner, he is ahead of his closest pursuit, Lionel Messi, with 58 goals. Brazilian legend Pelé is third on the all-time list with 765.
Ronaldo was also the first to reach the milestone of 800 goals, in 2021, during his second spell with Manchester United.
The Portugal captain has 131 international goals in 209 games. He again leads Messi (109) to first place in this category, while the latter is tied with former Iranian striker Ali Daei.
It is clear that the Portuguese team was in control of the game despite some mistakes.
Roberto Martinez’s men opened the scoring in the 7th minute thanks to a brilliant collection move that allowed Diogo Dalot, assisted by Bruno Fernandes, to find the net.
It wasn’t until the 34th minute that the Seleçao widened the gap. On a perfect cross from Nuno Mendes, Ronaldo, 39, finished with a powerful strike and scored the 900th goal of his career.
A few minutes later (41st), Portugal had a scare when Dallot scored against his team.
In the 76th minute, CR7 missed the chance to score his 901st goal: he sent the ball for a free kick in the middle, but his shot was stopped by a wall of Croatian players.
Digo Jota was substituted minutes before the final whistle.
The Seleçao paid tribute to Pepe, who retired last month at the age of 41, after 17 years with the selection.
After the disappointment of Euro 2024, where Portugal were eliminated in the quarter-finals on penalties against France, the coach wants to start a new cycle to prepare for the next World Cup in 2026.
After Croatia, Portugal host Scotland in the League of Nations next Sunday in Lisbon.
2024-09-06 05:37:52
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