Cristiano Ronaldo rewrote the record books for international appearances during Portugal's 4-0 rout of Liechtenstein this past Thursday. In a decisive Group J Euro 2024 qualifier held at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, the superstar striker scored twice. Making his 197th appearance, Ronaldo overtook Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa to become the most-capped male player in history. With this performance, he also reached a staggering 120 international goals, adding to his tally with a precise penalty and a stunning free kick that flew into the upper corner of the goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo set a new record for the most international caps in Portugal’s 4-0 win over Liechtenstein in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier on Thursday. The world’s star footballer Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal thrashed Liechtenstein in their Group J qualifier match at the Jose Alvalade Stadium. Ronaldo celebrated his 197th cap, surpassing Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa, with a double as he returned to the starting lineup. Portugal forward has now scored a men’s record 120 international goals. Ronaldo tucked away a penalty before slamming a free kick into the top corner of the net.
Portugal asserted their dominance early on, controlling possession and finding the net just eight minutes in through Joao Cancelo. The play developed from a Raphael Guerreiro corner; the opposing goalkeeper, Benjamin Buchel, managed to punch the ball away, but it landed straight to Cancelo at the edge of the area. The 28-year-old wing-back struck a half-volley from distance that took a slight deflection before trickling past the keeper. Despite continued pressure from the home side, Liechtenstein's sturdy defensive line managed to keep things tight for a significant portion of the match.
The deadlock was further broken early in the second half when Bernardo Silva increased the lead to 2-0. After Cancelo found some room to send in a low cross, a defender's touch inadvertently played the ball right to Silva, who fired a low, powerful shot into the bottom corner. Just four minutes later, the 38-year-old Ronaldo made it 3-0, calmly converting a penalty after Cancelo was fouled inside the area.
Ronaldo further cemented his goal-scoring legacy in the 63rd minute with a fierce free kick that beat both the wall and goalkeeper Buchel. With a comfortable lead, Portugal cruised to victory. Despite having been previously left out of the starting lineup, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner proved his value as captain in Roberto Martinez's managerial debut. Following the game, Ronaldo shared his joy on Instagram, expressing his happiness at returning to the national team and scoring in a stadium that holds special meaning for him, while noting his pride in becoming the most-capped player in history.
The action in Group J continues on Sunday, March 26. Portugal is set to travel to the Stade de Luxembourg to take on Luxembourg, while Liechtenstein will face Iceland at the Rheinpark Stadion.