Ronaldo marks record appearance with two goals in Portugal win

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the most-capped men’s player of all time, with 180 international appearances, and he celebrated this achievement by scoring two goals as Portugal thrashed Liechtenstein 4-0.

Ronaldo had only scored one goal in the 2022 World Cup and there had been doubts over his return for Portugal’s Euro 2024 qualification campaign, but he started the game as captain in Roberto Martinez’s first game as manager and marked his record appearance in style.

Ronaldo scored a penalty and a free-kick within 12 minutes to cap off an emphatic win for Portugal, following earlier strikes from Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva. Portugal got off to a great start in Group J, with Liechtenstein’s resistance lasting just eight minutes.

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Despite squandering two golden opportunities to extend Portugal’s lead, Ronaldo got his second goal four minutes after Silva’s goal, following a clumsy foul on Cancelo.

Although Ronaldo initially thought he had completed his hattrick, his celebrations were cut short by an offside flag, but he did manage to score a superb free-kick in the 63rd minute to seal the victory.

Ronaldo was substituted in the 78th minute, with the job done for new boss Martinez.

Overall, Portugal put on an impressive performance, with Ronaldo leading the way and showing no signs of slowing down.

Martinez will be pleased with his first game in charge, with his team off to a strong start in their Euro 2024 qualification campaign.