Cristiano Ronaldo's three most memorable matches for Portugal
As we celebrate Cristiano Ronaldo’s 200th cap for Portugal, one looks back to those particularly memorable matches that have seen Ronaldo play a starring role for his country. So often, he has taken a game by the scruff of the neck just when his team has needed him the most in the biggest of international occasions.
Take a look below at the Cristiano Ronaldo’s three most memorable performances for Portugal
November 19th 2013 – Sweden 2-3 Portugal – World Cup Qualification Play-Off Second-Leg
Portugal’s qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup rested on the result of their qualification play-off against Sweden. After winning the first-leg 1-0, Paulo Bento’s side travelled to Sweden knowing the job was only half done. Cristiano Ronaldo had already given his country that one-goal advantage and it was he who ensured Portugal’s safe passage to Brazil with a magnificent individual performance. After latching onto a Joao Moutinho through ball to put Portugal ahead, Sweden hit back through a quick-fire Zlatan Ibrahimovic double to level the tie. Ronaldo though, wasn’t to be denied and showed his ruthless best with two more goals in the space of just three minutes, completing his hat-trick and booking Portugal’s place in the World Cup.
June 15th 2018 – Portugal 3-3 Spain – 2018 FIFA World Cup
Arguably Ronaldo’s most memorable starring performance in a major tournament for his nation took place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Sochi. What a showing it was as well, against Portugal’s biggest rivals on the biggest stage. A crucial contest in Group B, Ronaldo opened the scoring through the penalty, before Spain equalised. On the stroke of half-time, Ronaldo’s left-footed strike from just outside the penalty saw Portugal retake the lead. But the Spaniards struck twice in quick succession during the second-half, leaving Portugal on the brink of defeat. Step forward Ronaldo! A free kick, central to goal with two minutes to go, you know the rest. Ronaldo stepped up and in his trademark style, bent the free kick into the top corner to level the game and complete a first World Cup hat-trick. He also became at the time, just the fourth player to score in four separate World Cups.
September 1st 2021 – Portugal 2-3 Republic of Ireland – World Cup Qualification Group Stage
A historical night at the Estadio Algarve that saw Cristiano Ronaldo further cement his already well-established legacy. This despite having seen a penalty saved earlier in the piece against Republic of Ireland. After the visitors had taken the lead, they looked like securing a shock victory. But Ronaldo had other ideas. He popped up in the 89th minute to equalise, his 110th international goal before having the last word deep into stoppage time. It was the 96th minute to be precise when he nodded home Joao Mario’s cross to seal international goal number 111 an unlikely victory. However, it was Ronaldo’s first goal that was most memorable as it saw him surpass Iran’s Ali Daei and become the leading goalscorer in men’s international football.
