Iceland 0-1 Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo nets 89th-minute winner on historic 200th international appearance

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a last-gasp winner on his historic 200th international appearance to give Portugal a 1-0 win in Iceland, as Roberto Martinez’s side remained perfect in Euro 2024 qualifying.

The visitors dominated possession in the early exchanges but struggled to find any real rhythm in attacking areas.

Pepe had Portugal’s first real chance after 17 minutes when he rose highest to power a header on target but Alex Runarsson was on hand to tip it around for a corner.

Portugal tried to turn up the pressure at the beginning of the second half, Martinez’s side moved the ball quicker and with more purpose as they looked to put the Icelandic defence under pressure.

Ronaldo had a good chance 20 minutes from time but Sverrir Ingi Ingason did just enough to deny him. Goncalo Inacio floated a good ball over the top into the path of Ronaldo but Ingason was on hand to put a challenge in as Ronaldo pulled the trigger.

Iceland were reduced to 10 men 10 minutes from time when Willum Willumsson was shown a second yellow card following a strong challenge.

Ronaldo scored a late winner – his 123rd goal for his country – following a smart header into his path from Goncalo Inacio. The goal was initially flagged for offside but following a lengthy VAR check it was awarded and Portugal earned their fourth consecutive victory in Group J.

TALKING POINT – A PERFECT CAMPAIGN THUS FAR

It wasn’t the prettiest of victories and Roberto Martinez will feel there is still lots of work to do with this Portugal side but they have started their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying campaign in the best possible way.

After four matches, Portugal have four wins, have scored 14 goals and conceded 0. Even with Portugal not being at their brilliant best at times, they are managing to break down stubborn defences by hook or by crook and whilst today will have been a frustrating one for Martinez to watch, it’s yielded yet another positive result for the Selecao.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – CRISTIANO RONALDO (PORTUGAL)

It was by no means his best performance in a Portugal shirt, but on a night when Roberto Martinez’s side underwhelmed, Ronaldo was there to pop up with a winner when his side needed one.

It was very fitting that Ronaldo would score the winning goal on what was his 200th international appearance – an incredible achievement.

The 38-year-old was frustrated at times throughout the match whether it be due to lack of service or the general disjoined nature of Portugal’s attacks but he kept plugging away and ultimately was in the right place at the right time to give his side all three points.

PLAYER RATINGS

Iceland: Runarsson 7, Lunddal 6, Palsson 6, Ingason 6, Magnusson 6, Willumsson 5, Trautason 6, Gudmundsson 7, A. Gudmundsson 6, Finnbogason 6, Thorsteinsson 6 Subs: Johannesson 6, Magnusson 6, Sampsted 6, Haraldsson 6

Portugal: Costa 7, Dalot 7, Pepe 7, Danilo 7, Dias 7, Cancelo 7, Fernandes 7, Neves 7, Bernardo 7, Leao 7, Ronaldo 7 Subs: Guerreiro 6, Inacio 7, Vitinha 6, Otavio 6, Jota N/A

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

17’ SAVED BY RUNARSSON! – Fernandes fires in a corner which Pepe rises highest to meet but Alex Runarsson dives across to clutch the ball and keep the game 0-0.

24’ A BIG CHANCE FOR ICELAND! – Iceland work it well into the box and it falls to Victor Palsson who fires his effort over the bar. That is a huge chance for the hosts.

69′ A BIG CHANCE FOR RONALDO! – Inacio plays a great ball over the top to Ronaldo but he is closed down by Ingason as he took on the shot.

90′ GOAL – PORTUGAL – That is goal 123 for Cristiano Ronaldo in a Portugal shirt! The goal has been given following a very lengthy VAR review.

KEY STAT

Portugal are yet to concede a goal in Euro 2024 qualifying after four matches.