Football

Ronaldo scores on record-breaking appearance

March 24, 2023 2:26 pm

[Source: Reuters Sports]

Cristiano Ronaldo set a new record for the most international caps as Portugal played Liechtenstein and celebrated the milestone with a record-extending goal.

Ronaldo, who turned 38 last month, won his 197th cap, surpassing Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa, as he returned to the starting line-up and captained his country in their Euro 2024 Group J qualifier at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.

He converted a 51st-minute penalty – his first goal against the tiny Alpine principality – as the home side went 3-0 up after being only one goal ahead at the break.

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It extended Ronaldo’s record for the most goals in international football to 119, although he had earlier missed gilt-edged chances when he skied the ball in front of goal and glanced a header wide.

Ronaldo had been benched by former coach Fernando Santos for their final two games at last year’s World Cup in Qatar where Portugal lost in the quarter-finals to Morocco.