Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot combined to score for Portugal. They ended up being overshadowed by teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal’s UEFA Nations League campaign is off to a strong start with a 2-1 win over Croatia.
Manchester United duo Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot combined for the first goal, with the full-back popping up in a central area to convert the midfielder’s cross.
After going 2-0 up, an unfortunate own goal from Dalot put pressure on Portugal, who had to hang on for a 2-1 win in the end.
Cristiano Ronaldo scores historic 900th goal
After a frustrating Euro 2024 campaign in which he failed to score from open play, there were vociferous calls for Cristiano Ronaldo to step away from the national team.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez continues to call on Ronaldo, and even selected him as a starter against Croatia.
This time Ronaldo made the decision pay off, scoring Portugal’s second goal after a cross from Nuno Mendes.
Ronaldo’s predatory finish was matched by an emotional celebration as he ran to the corner flag and collapsed on the turf, head in hands, appreciating the magnitude of the moment.
This was Ronaldo’s 900th career goal for club and country. An unprecedented achievement in the modern game.
Ronaldo was recently on record saying he wants to reach 1,000 goals, while acknowledging he had not quite hit 900. Now he is there.
Bruno Fernandes verdict on Ronaldo
Bruno Fernandes spoke immediately after the game and was in high praise of Ronaldo’s achievement.
The Manchester United midfielder was quoted via A Bola: “We ended up stopping counting goals, but he didn’t.
“He broke another record, a record for Portugal and once again raised the name of Portugal to an enormous level. There are no words to describe it”.
He was then asked if Ronaldo will be going to the 2026 World Cup, before pointing out it was not his call to make.
Fernandes said: “The decision is his, it depends on whether he feels good, at a high level and is capable of reaching that competition with great level. But it is up to him to decide”.
This goal tonight will likely spur Ronaldo on. Croatia may be a declining force, but they are still a high calibre of opponent, and this shows he is still capable of scoring goals at a top level – despite his blank at the Euros.
Diogo Dalot added post-match that he loves to still have the opportunity to play in the same team as Ronaldo.
He told O Jogo: “It’s special. Above all, it’s a privilege to still be able to spend time with him. In these moments, I try to make the most of all the experience he has to give me, both in football and beyond.
“And as I usually say, I like to squeeze the most out of him to try to get what’s good for me and for us.
“I think it’s a privilege for all of us to be able to watch, to see that he’s still dynamic, with a great passion for playing for the national team, because that’s commendable. And congratulations on yet another record.”
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