Cristiano Ronaldo extends international goal tally to 125

Cristiano Ronaldo scores record-breaking 125th international goal as Portugal qualifies for EURO 2024 with a 3-2 win against Slovakia.

In a historic moment for Portuguese football, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 125th international goal, solidifying his position as one of the greatest players of all time. The goal came as Portugal secured their qualification for EURO 2024 with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Slovakia.

Before the game, Ronaldo was honored for reaching the milestone of 200 international caps, a testament to his longevity and unwavering commitment to his country. The forward has consistently made history for Portugal, and this achievement further cements his legacy.

The match itself was filled with excitement and drama. Goncalo Ramos opened the scoring for Roberto Martinez's side after 18 minutes, setting the tone for an intense battle. Ronaldo then stepped up and converted a penalty just 11 minutes later, adding to his already impressive international goal tally.

Ronaldo's goal tally has been nothing short of extraordinary. He surpassed the previous record in June 2021, overtaking Iran's Ali Daei with a brace against the Republic of Ireland. Since then, he has continued to add to his goal haul, showcasing his remarkable skill and goal-scoring prowess.

Slovakia managed to breach the Portugal goal in the second half, with David Hancko finding the back of the net. However, Ronaldo was not to be outdone, as he grabbed his second goal of the night by tapping in a low cross from his former Manchester United teammate, Bruno Fernandes.

The victory was a testament to Portugal's strength as a team, with manager Roberto Martinez maintaining his 100 percent record since taking over in January. The team's performance was impressive, and they cruised into EURO 2024 with confidence and determination.

While Slovakia managed to score a late goal through Stanislav Lobotka, it was ultimately Portugal's night. They secured their place in next summer's tournament and showcased their ability to compete at the highest level.

Ronaldo's journey has been one of ups and downs, with speculation about his future in international football following a lackluster performance at the 2022 World Cup and his subsequent move to the Saudi Pro League. However, he has proven time and time again that he is still a force to be reckoned with, scoring seven goals in six appearances for his country this year.

It is worth noting that Ronaldo's goal-scoring prowess has not diminished with age. In fact, he has scored an impressive 73 of his 125 goals after turning 30, defying expectations and proving that he is a true legend of the game.

Looking ahead, Portugal will aim to continue their winning streak under Martinez's leadership as they face Bosnia and Herzegovina in their next match. With their qualification for EURO 2024 secured, they will be eager to make their mark on the tournament and compete for glory.

In conclusion, Cristiano Ronaldo's record-breaking goal and Portugal's qualification for EURO 2024 serve as a testament to the team's strength and Ronaldo's enduring greatness. The match against Slovakia was filled with excitement and showcased the team's ability to perform under pressure. As they look ahead to future challenges, Portugal will undoubtedly be a team to watch in the upcoming tournament.

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