Regaining the place in the team-type he had lost during the World Cup-2022, the five-time Ballon d'Or 38-year-old increased Tuesday his record of selections in the men's national team and reached the symbolic bar of 200 caps.
Author of two doubles against Liechtenstein and Luxembourg, the native of Madeira is also the holder of the world record of goals in selection, with a total that he carried Tuesday 123 achievements, scoring at the very end of the match by taking close a service of Gonçalo Inacio (89th). His goal was endorsed after verification by the VAR.
With this fourth victory in as many games, the European champions are still two points ahead of their runner-up, Slovakia, who won in Liechtenstein (1-0).
Arrived at the beginning of the year, the new coach of Portugal, the Spaniard Roberto Martinez, continues to chain successes after victories against Liechtenstein (4-0), Luxembourg (6-0) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (3-0).
The former Belgium coach has made some changes in the team, such as the use of a central three-man defence, without upsetting the squad and its hierarchies.
Above all, he strengthened Cristiano Ronaldo's status despite his 38 years and his golden exile at Saudi club Al-Nassr.
© 2023 AFP