Ronaldo finds joy at home
Star forward scores another brace in Euro qualifiers to show he is not done shining for Portugal yet
LUXEMBOURG: Cristiano Ronaldo is feeling at home again.
It took only two games for him to make his peace with Portugal’s national team and show he is not done impressing at the international level just yet.
In his return after a disappointing World Cup and a controversial move to Saudi football, the 38-year-old Ronaldo scored four goals in Portugal’s first two games in 2024 European Championship qualifying, showing he remains the leader that fans got used to seeing wearing the national team’s uniform.
Ronaldo netted twice in the 6-0 rout of Luxembourg on Sunday, three days after scoring another brace in the 4-0 win over Liechtenstein, when he became the men’s player with the most international appearances with 197.
“Two games, two victories,” the Portugal captain said on his social media accounts after the win at Luxembourg. The goals came against European minnows but seemed to be enough to restore Ronaldo’s confidence and his role as a starter with the national team.
Ronaldo was in tears the last time he left the field with Portugal following a loss to Morocco in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Qatar last year after he was benched by then coach Fernando Santos in the knockouts.
The disappointing World Cup, added to his decision to accept a lucrative deal from Saudi club Al Nassr, had put in doubt his future with the national team.
Likely playing a part in his decision to keep playing was the arrival of coach Roberto Martinez to replace Santos after the World Cup. The Spaniard pledged to respect Ronaldo’s history, and the star forward said he welcomed the “breath of fresh air” to the national team.
“Ronaldo is a unique player and brings a lot of experience to the locker room,” Martinez said.
“He is a reference and is prepared to be a leader and a captain of this national team.”
Kane extends England goal record in win
LONDON: Presented with a golden boot before kickoff, Harry Kane’s golden touch continued for England as he struck a record-extending 55th goal in their 2-0 win against Ukraine.
The England captain struck in the 37th minute, converting Bukayo Saka’s cross.