Portugal’s Euro 2024 qualifying group looked easy on paper, and Cristiano Ronaldo made sure it was exactly that.
The Al Nassr forward scored twice in a 3-2 win over Slovakia as Roberto Martinez’s side made it seven wins from seven in Group J.
That saw them cruise into next summer’s tournament at the first possible occasion, and it appears their 38-year-old captain will be coming with them.
There were doubts over Ronaldo’s international future following a teary exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
On top of that, he stepped away from elite level football with a move from Manchester United to the Saudi Pro League shortly after.
Since then, though, he’s kept his spot with the Selecao and has featured in all six qualifying matches in 2023.
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Adding his two goals tonight, he has seven for the year, and in total 125 in 202 caps – a world record on both counts.
Ronaldo has a shaky record with FC Porto fans due to his history with Sporting Lisbon, but playing the qualifier at their Estadio do Dragao saw a banner unfurled to honour his 200-game record.
One fan took things a little too far, though, running onto the pitch to get a selfie with the five-time Champions League winner.
Ronaldo wasn’t too bothered though, smiling as the fan approached as he shook his hand, before the youngster got his picture as security stepped in.
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Portugal boss Martinez has impressed since taking over following the World Cup, winning all of his games in charge.
From their seven Group J matches, the Euro 2016 winners have scored 27 goals, conceding just twice – which came on Friday night against Slovakia.
Source: Talk Sport