Cristiano Ronaldo Sets New Record in Portugal’s Euro 2024 Qualifier Win Against Liechtenstein

Cristiano Ronaldo smashed a free kick and converted a penalty as he broke the record for the most international caps in Portugal’s opening Euro 2024 qualifier match against Liechtenstein on Thursday. Ronaldo celebrated his 197th cap and scored twice as Portugal won 4-0 at the Jose Alvalade Stadium to secure their place in the Group J qualifiers.

Portugal dominated the match with Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva scoring the first two goals in the eighth minute and the 47th minute respectively. Ronaldo then slotted in a penalty and scored a trademark free kick in the 63rd minute to extend his records for the most international goals to 120.

After the match, Ronaldo took to Instagram to say, “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.” Former Belgium manager, Roberto Martinez who replaced former coach, Fernando Santos, was managing his first game as coach of Portugal, and said it was “very, very positive.”

Ronaldo, who turned 38 last month, missed some gilt-edged chances when he skied the ball in front of goal and glanced a header wide. Ronaldo is currently playing with Saudi club Al Nassr after his 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.

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Keywords: Cristiano Ronaldo, Euro 2024, Portugal, Liechtenstein, international caps, international goals, Roberto Martinez, Fernando Santos, Joao Cancelo, Bernardo Silva, free-kick, penalty, ESPN+