June 23, 2023
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football star, created a lighthearted moment with a cameraman following Portugal's 1-0 victory against Ireland. After the match, Ronaldo, who scored the winning goal, jokingly asked the cameraman not to get too close, saying, "Too many wrinkles." His remark brought a smile to the faces of those present and added a touch of humour to the post-match media scrum.
Ronaldo's goal in the 89th minute secured the victory for Portugal in the European Championship qualifying match against Iceland. This milestone goal came as he made his 200th appearance for the Portuguese national team, becoming the first male player to achieve this feat. The Guinness World Records honoured the 38-year-old superstar before the game, recognising his remarkable accomplishment nearly 20 years after his international debut.
The match was a cause for double celebration as Ronaldo not only marked his 200th appearance but also scored his 123rd international goal, further extending his record. The victory propelled Portugal to maintain a perfect record of four wins in four games in Group J, solidifying their path towards qualifying for Euro 2024.
Expressing his joy, Ronaldo described the achievement as "unbelievable" and emphasised the special significance of scoring the winning goal. The forward's teammates, Rafael Leão and Bruno Fernandes, had been instrumental in creating opportunities throughout the game, and Iceland's Willum Willumsson's red card in the 80th minute provided Portugal with a numerical advantage.
Although Ronaldo missed several chances and received a yellow card for diving in the 83rd minute, he eventually found the back of the net when Goncalo Inacio headed the ball down, allowing Ronaldo to score from close range. The goal prompted an anxious wait as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviewed the play before confirming the goal and granting Ronaldo the opportunity to celebrate in his signature style.
The match against Iceland not only showcased Ronaldo's remarkable career milestone but also demonstrated his enduring impact on the Portuguese national team. His remarkable achievements continue to cement his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.