Cristiano Ronaldo's Double Helps Portugal Secure Euro 2024 Qualification with Win Over Slovakia
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 124th and 125th senior international career goals during a Euro 2024 qualifier match on Friday night, helping Portugal beat Slovakia 3-2 in Porto.
Portugal's victory secured their spot at the European Championship scheduled for the following summer.
The first goal was set up by Bruno Fernandes, who assisted Goncalo Ramos to put Portugal in the lead.
Cristiano Ronaldo then converted a penalty kick in the 29th minute, extending Portugal's lead to 2-0.
Slovakia's David Hancko scored a goal in the second half, narrowing the lead, but Ronaldo quickly responded with a tap-in goal, again assisted by Bruno Fernandes.
Stanislav Lobotka scored a remarkable long-range goal for Slovakia, creating a tense final 10 minutes for Portugal.
Despite the late challenge, the 2016 European champions held on for the win and secured three points.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored seven goals in six appearances for Portugal in the current year.
Notably, 73 of Ronaldo's 125 international goals have been scored since he turned 30.