Cristiano Ronaldo scores 101st goal for Portugal

Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo became the second men’s player to reach 100 international goals, after scoring two goals in Portugal’s 2-0 win over Sweden.

The 35-year-old scored two spectacular goals and has become only the second men’s player to reach the century for his national team after Ali Daei, who scored 109 times for Iran.

Ronaldo was able to reach a century of goals just minutes before half-time of Tuesday’s Nations League game against Sweden. The legendary forward rammed home a freekick from outside the box to put Portugal ahead in the match.

It didn’t take time for Cristiano Ronaldo to score his 101st goal as the Juventus man slammed home a fine strike from outside the box in the 72nd minute, giving Portugal a two goals lead.

Ronaldo’s freekick goal was the 57th goal he has scored from a direct freekick and his 10th freekick goal for Portugal.

The last time Ronaldo played for Portugal was ten months ago when he scored his 99th international goal back in November 2019 against Luxembourg. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had scored a hat-trick in a match against Lithuania to take his total to 98.

Ronaldo did not take part in the first match against  Croatia due to a toe infection. However, Portugal won 4-1 with ease.

Portugal will aim to defend their Nations League title. They won the inaugural competition last year, having defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in the final.

Manchester United and Portugal midfielder Fernandes praised Ronaldo after the game, saying that the veteran has the ability to make a difference in any match.

Ronaldo scored his first international goal at Euro 2004, at the age of 19. In 16 years time, he has gone on to surpass the likes of Eusebio and Pauleta to become Portugal’s all-time top goalscorer.

 
 
Written by: Collins Nwokolo