Iceland superstar Cristiano Ronaldo deserved the decisive goal in his 200th match for Portugal, according to coach Roberto Martinez.
In the press conference after the victory in Iceland on the evening of June 20, coach Martinez was asked how he evaluated Ronaldo at the age of 38. He replied: "Not every player understands how to play football at the age of 38. I admire the way Ronaldo is determined to become number one and improve every day. I learn a lot from him."
Ronaldo celebrates scoring during Portugal's 1-0 win over Iceland in the Euro 2024 qualifiers at Laugardalsvöllur Stadium in Reykjavik on June 20, 2023. Photo: Reuters
Martinez added that 40-year-old centre-back Pepe also maintains the same will as Ronaldo, as the two players always arrive first to practice and leave last. "Pepe and Ronaldo are like young men. Ronaldo's fitness is still good, playing 90 minutes in both recent matches," he added. "I'm not surprised because he is capable of doing it."
Ronaldo played the entire match against Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 17, although he did not score. But in the match against Iceland three days later, he scored in the 89th minute to give the visitors all three points, from a header by defender Goncalo Inacio. Some Icelandic spectators also shouted "siu" when Ronaldo celebrated by doing his familiar spinning jump. After the match, Inacio also said that he was very happy to have assisted Ronaldo.
Before this match, Ronaldo received the record of playing 200 matches for a national team. He has scored 123 goals for Portugal, also a record. "Ronaldo scoring is the perfect story," coach Martinez added. "It is the result of talent, will and effort. He deserves this achievement."
Key developments of the match Iceland 0-1 Portugal.
Ronaldo also rose to second in the list of goalscorers in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, with five goals, behind Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) and Rasmus Hojlund (Denmark). Meanwhile, Portugal firmly held the top spot in Group J with four wins from four matches.
After this match, Ronaldo and his teammates will have a summer break. The 38-year-old striker has made no secret of his intention to play in Euro 2024, a tournament in which he also holds a series of records, including goals and matches.
Hoang An
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