Author: Amrit Santlani
Portugal were looking to keep their lead in UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying group J intact when they traveled to Iceland, who had managed just one win in their last three games. It was a memorable occasion for Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who played his 200th international match, becoming the first player to do so, and was rewarded with a Guinness World Records certificate for his achievement.
It was a tight contest and Ronaldo scored a dramatic late goal, his 123rd goal in international soccer, helping Roberto Martinez’s side extend their winning streak to four games in the qualifying rounds.
The Portuguese dominated the game from the start and had the first chance to score: Ruben Diaz had his header saved by Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson after a corner. Veteran defender Pepe also had a header saved by the Icelandic goalkeeper from a subsequent corner. Victor Pálsson missed a glorious chance to open the scoring for his side when he shot over the bar after a cross from captain Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson.
Ronaldo came close to scoring when he tried to convert a cross from João Cancelo, but the 38-year-old was offside. In the second half, Ronaldo was caught offside again, before Willum Þór Willumsson took a shot that went close to the goal.
Willumsson then received his marching orders for having received a yellow card earlier, was shown a second yellow for a rash challenge and the referee had no choice but to show the red card.
In the 88th minute, the game finally opened up when Ronaldo hit the net from close range following a header from Gonçalo Inácio. Initially, the goal was disallowed for offside, but after a lengthy VAR check, the goal stood, sparking wild celebrations when Ronaldo did his famous “SIIUU”, much to the frustration of the home fans.
Portugal managed a narrow 1-0 victory, further consolidating their lead in Group J.