Portugal made the perfect start to their qualification campaign with a powerful win against Liechtenstein. Cristiano Ronaldo makes history in Euro 2024 qualifying. Cristiano Ronaldo scored double he converted a penalty kick and scored off a free kick.
Ronaldo’s 120th goal
It was Ronaldo’s record-extending 120th goal for his country and made him the first man to score 100 times in competitive internationals. He is also the all-time scoring leader in men’s football.
Cristiano Ronaldo tucked away a penalty and slammed home a free kick as he set a new record for the most international caps in Portugal’s 4-0 win over Liechtenstein in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier on Thursday.
Ronaldo’s 197th cap,
Cristiano… GOLLOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!#PORLIE | 2-0 | #VesteABandeira #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/bFFZDdpQba
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) March 23, 2023
Ronaldo celebrated his 197th cap, surpassing Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa, with a double as he returned to the starting lineup for their Group J qualifier at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon.
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. He would then go on to score a powerful free kick from just outside the area in the 63rd minute to complete his brace as Portugal went on to win 4-0.
Portugal has lost two games in their previous five games. After Fernando Santos resigned following the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Roberto Martinez took charge of the Portugal National Team and this will be his first match.
FIFA World Cup 2022
Ronaldo had been benched by former coach Fernando Santos for Portugal’s final two games at last year’s World Cup in Qatar where they lost in the quarterfinals to Morocco. Former Belgium manager Roberto Martinez replaced Santos and was managing his first game as coach of Portugal.
Martinez told
Martinez Praises Ronaldo As Portugal Start New Cycle.
New Portugal coach Roberto Martinez praised the positive influence of record-breaker Cristiano Ronaldo as they beat Liechtenstein 4-0 on Thursday at the start of their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. https://t.co/FBWdhZqYQ1 pic.twitter.com/RsFRvbnvSS— 254 News Updates (@254newsupdates) March 24, 2023
“It was very positive, It was an obvious next step from the attitude and the work we did in training. It is always very difficult to play this type of game, they are ‘trap games’, but the way we played with the ball and how we smothered the danger of Liechtenstein was very important.”
“It’s a new cycle. It’s important for a player to show commitment and that we can use his experience, and Cristiano shows that,” Martinez told television reporters.
Ronaldo told
Ronaldo told reporters on Wednesday.“Records are my motivation, I want to become the most capped player in history. That would make me proud. But it doesn’t stop there, I still want to be called up very often.”
After the match, Ronaldo wrote on Instagram: “Such good feelings for playing again and scoring for our national team and in a special stadium for me. Proud to be the most capped player ever.”
Ronaldo made his international debut in 2003 and became the first man to score in five World Cups last year before Portugal lost to Morocco in the quarter-finals.
Saudi club Al Nassr
The Record Breaker 🐐🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/ztAYNwrNJ0
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) March 23, 2023
He is currently playing for Saudi club Al Nassr after an acrimonious end to his second spell at Manchester United.
Ronaldo’s appearance off the bench in the defeat by Morocco equaled the previous mark of 196 caps held by Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa.
He left the pitch in tears following Portugal’s shock 1-0 loss against the North Africans.
Since leaving Europe, Ronaldo has scored nine goals in 10 matches for Al Nassr.
Ronaldo had been benched by former coach Fernando Santos for Portugal’s final two games at last year’s World Cup in Qatar where they lost in the quarterfinals to Morocco. Former Belgium manager Roberto Martinez replaced Santos and was managing his first game as coach of Portugal.
Coach Fernando Santos stepped down following the tournament and new boss Roberto Martinez immediately put his faith in Ronaldo, who also captained the side.
Cristiano has played 197
Cristiano has played 197 matches for his country to date and has become the only player to have played the most international matches. Portugal made the perfect start to their qualification campaign with a powerful win against Liechtenstein in EURO 2024 qualifiers.
Star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo broke the men’s international appearance record on Thursday as he appeared in 197 match against Liechtenstein in Euro 2024 qualifying. pic.twitter.com/XJHpn6gIUm
— Economy.pk (@pk_economy) March 24, 2023
Portugal has qualified for all 12 major tournaments this century and should have little trouble keeping that record.
After facing Liechtenstein, they will make the trip to Luxembourg Stadium to face The Red Lions in another fixture where the Portuguese will enter as huge favorites.
Ronaldo is currently playing with Saudi club Al Nassr after an acrimonious departure from Manchester United ahead of the World Cup, but Martinez said the door is still open for the country’s biggest star to carry on with the national team.
Liechtenstein squad
Liechtenstein has a shaky squad, even though they have young players in their squad. Liechtenstein has failed to clinch a win in their last 13 matches. They have played their last game on November 16, 2022, against Gibraltar. In EURO Qualification Group J, Liechtenstein has the company of Slovakia, Portugal, Luxembourg, Iceland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Portugal vs Liechtenstein line-ups
Portugal XI (5-3-2): Patricio; Cancelo, Danilo, Dias, Inacio, Guerreiro; Fernandes, Palhinha, Silva; Ronaldo, Felix
Liechtenstein XI (5-3-2): Buchel; Wolfinger, Malin, Traber, Hofer, Meier; Frommelt, Weiser, Hasler; Gassner, Sele
FAQs
who wins EURO 2024 Qualifier Portugal vs Liechtenstein match?
Portugal wins EURO 2024 Qualifier match.
Where will EURO 2024 Qualifier Portugal vs Liechtenstein match take place?
EURO 2024 Qualifier Portugal vs Liechtenstein match will be held in Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon.
What time will EURO 2024 Qualifier match start?
EURO 2024 Qualifier match will start at 1:15 AM IST.
Which TV channels will broadcast Portugal vs Liechtenstein EURO 2024 Qualifier match?
Portugal vs Liechtenstein EURO 2024 Qualifier match will be broadcasted on Sony Ten 1 in India.