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Ronaldo scores on European record 181st int’l app


Published : 10 Oct 2021 08:19 PM | Updated : 11 Oct 2021 03:36 PM

Cristiano Ronaldo marked a record 181st international appearance with a goal as Portugal defeated World Cup hosts Qatar 3-0 in a friendly game on Saturday.

The Manchester United star surpassed Sergio Ramos, who has played for Spain 180 times, as the most-capped international for a European nation.

Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 37th minute with Jose Fonte adding a second three minutes into the second half. RB Leipzig striker Andre Silva completed the scoring in the last minute of the game. Ronaldo surpassed the milestone of 109 goals held by Iran's Ali Daei last month when he scored twice against Ireland to give him 111.

Since then, he missed two matches for Portugal, including a 3-1 win over Qatar in another friendly against the hosts of next year's World Cup.

Back at Algarve Stadium, Ronaldo made it 112 international goals when he struck in the 37th minute, using his left foot to score from close after a pass by Manchester United teammate Diogo Dalot.

Coach Fernando Santos replaced the 36-year-old Ronaldo at halftime, just before Jose Fonte doubled the advantage.

Rafael Leao, Ronaldo's replacement, hit the woodwork and Andre Silva completed the scoring in stoppage time.

Portugal resume their World Cup qualifying campaign on Tuesday when they host Luxembourg.

They are currently second in Group A, a point behind Serbia but with a game in hand.

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