CR7 marked his 200th international display with a match-winning goal in Iceland.
Portugal defeated Iceland 1-0 in their Euro 2026 qualifier on Tuesday. A late goal from Cristiano Ronaldo maintained Portugal’s perfect record in the competition.
200 Portugal caps for Ronaldo!
Ronaldo became the first player in history to make 200 international appearances when the game started at the Laugardalsvöllur Stadium.
As expected, Portugal went on the offensive to secure an early breakthrough. But Iceland’s brilliant defending rarely allowed them to create serious chances.
The hosts had a chance to go ahead in the 24th minute, but Jón Dagur Thorsteinsson’s powerful shot went wide.
Ten minutes later, Ronaldo found a golden opportunity to make it 1-0 for Portugal. However, Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson made a fantastic foot save to keep Iceland in the game.
The visitors increased the pressure on Iceland’s backline at the beginning of the second half. Portugal midfielders struggled to win the physical duels, but Iceland’s yellow cards mounted as the game went on.
Willum Thor Willumsson received two yellow cards in the span of ten minutes and was sent off in the 80th minute. Having gone a man down, Iceland retreated into their own half to secure the draw. But their dreams went up in smoke when Ronaldo scored the match-winner for Portugal in the 89th minute.
Goncalo Inacio provided a brilliant assist for CR7 with a header inside the box. The 38-year-old then made it 1-0 with a cool tap-in, winning the match for Portugal.
VAR checked the pass for offside but ultimately approved Ronaldo’s 123rd international goal. The 1-0 win maintains Portugal’s perfect run in the Euro 2026 qualifiers as Martinez’s team lead the Group J table with 12 points from their first four matches.