Cristiano Ronaldo during the match he won with Portugal against Croatia on the first day of the Nations League. In Lisbon, on September 5, 2024
Patricia DE MELO MOREIRA
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Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, who at 39 years of age scored his 900th goal of his career, beat Croatia 2-1 on Thursday at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, in the opening match of their UEFA Nations League group.
The Seleçao secured their victory over the current runners-up of the tournament thanks to their effectiveness in the first half, where they were clearly superior.
The home side opened the scoring in the 7th minute through Diogo Dalot, who finished off a great collective move after an assist from Bruno Fernandes. However, Dalot had a completely different experience in the 41st minute, when he scored against his own side.
Before that, Cristiano Ronaldo had scored in the 34th minute to reach the figure of 900 goals in his career, with a powerful shot thanks to a perfect cross from Nuno Mendes.
This personal challenge was one of the incentives that the 39-year-old player, who has been exiled in Saudi Arabia for the last two seasons and appears close to retirement, had forged ahead in this match.
In the second half, the score did not change.
Portugal continued to have the best chances, but failed to capitalise on them against a Croatia side that tried to be more offensive in the final half, but without any luck.
Cristiano Ronaldo missed a good chance in the 76th minute to have scored his 901st goal. He was replaced with a few minutes remaining by Diogo Jota.
This match at Benfica also served as a tribute to Pepe, who at 41 has just retired after having played for the national team for 17 years. Pepe was with the team at the recent European Championship, where France cut their path in the quarter-finals.
In the other Group A1 match, Robert Lewandowski’s Poland won 3-2 in their visit to Scotland.
On Sunday, Portugal will host Scotland on the second day of the fixture, while Croatia will play Poland at home.
Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Historic 900th Goal in Portugal’s Victory Against Croatia
Table of Contents
Patricia DE MELO MOREIRA
On September 5, 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines once again by scoring his monumental 900th career goal during Portugal’s opening match in the UEFA Nations League against Croatia. The match, held at the iconic Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, ended with a final score of 2-1 in favor of the Portuguese national team.
Match Overview
Led by their talisman, Ronaldo, Portugal showcased their dominance, particularly in the first half. The home side opened the scoring early, with Diogo Dalot netting a goal just seven minutes into the game. Following a brilliant assisted play from Bruno Fernandes, Dalot’s finish was a testament to the effectively orchestrated teamwork that characterized Portugal’s first-half performance.
A Milestone for Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 900th goal came in the 34th minute, further solidifying his legacy in football history. The goal was a result of a powerful shot following an exquisite cross from Nuno Mendes. Despite being 39 years old and having spent the last two seasons in Saudi Arabia playing for Al Nassr, Ronaldo’s competitive spirit and hunger for success were evident on the pitch. This milestone not only showcases his longevity in the sport but also highlights his unyielding desire to achieve personal challenges even at an advanced stage of his career.
A Rollercoaster for Dalot
However, the evening was bittersweet for Diogo Dalot. After scoring the opening goal, he inadvertently changed the game’s narrative by scoring an own goal just minutes before halftime, in the 41st minute, which tapped into the tension of the match. Despite this setback, Portugal managed to maintain control over the series of plays, ensuring that the score remained 2-1 throughout the second half, despite several missed opportunities to extend their lead.
Analyzing Portugal’s Performance
Portugal’s ability to control the game and create numerous scoring chances emphasized their tactical superiority over Croatia, the tournament’s current runners-up. While the second half saw no changes to the scoreline, Portugal’s effectiveness in front of goal in the first half ultimately defined the match.
Croatia’s Response
Croatia, although passive in the first half, attempted to rally in the second half, striving to capitalize on every opportunity. Nonetheless, their efforts fell short as they struggled to break down a well-organized Portuguese defense. The team’s inability to convert chances highlighted their need for improvement as they continue in the Nations League.
Conclusion
Cristiano Ronaldo’s historic feat of reaching 900 career goals has added an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling match. His ongoing contributions to the national team serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, particularly given his exceptional performance at an age when many players have transitioned into retirement. As Portugal embarks on their UEFA Nations League journey, fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see how the team, led by this football legend, performs in the coming matches.
Key Takeaways:
- Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 900th career goal in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Croatia.
- Portugal’s effective play in the first half established their dominance in the match.
- Diogo Dalot’s own goal injected drama into the contest but did not change the final score.
- Portugal’s tactical prowess will be crucial as they continue their campaign in the Nations League.
- Cristiano Ronaldo 900 goals career
- UEFA Nations League 2024 results
- Portugal vs. Croatia match highlights
- Football career milestones
- Diogo Dalot own goal impact
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