A milestone for CR7 in the first match of the Nations League with the national team, nearly 22 years after the first goal scored with Sporting Lisbon. The Portuguese team won 2-1 against Croatia
The moment of history comes in the 34th minute of the first half of Portugal’s opening Nations League match at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. From the midfield, Nuno Mendes delivers a cross from the left to find Cristiano Ronaldo’s run into the center of the area, who slots the ball past Livakovic for Portugal’s 2-0 lead against Croatia.
CR7 has undoubtedly scored more difficult goals in his career, but this one rightfully ranks among the milestones: it is the 900th goal of his career. Celebrated with a celebration that highlights its importance, he knelt down, bringing his hands to his emotional face and remained for a few seconds to enjoy the moment: CR900.
the gallery
—
The milestone comes nearly 22 years after his first goal: specifically, the first two goals in the 3-0 victory against Moreirense on October 7, 2002, a week after his debut in the Primeira Liga wearing Sporting Lisbon’s jersey. For CR7, it is goal number 131 in 214 appearances for the Portuguese national team. To reach 900, there are 5 with Sporting Lisbon, 145 with Manchester United, 450 with Real Madrid, 101 with Juventus, and 68 with Al Nassr.
victory 2-1
—
The match between Portugal and Croatia was one of the marquee games on the opening night of the Nations League. Opening and closing the scoring, with CR7’s goal in between, were two goals from Dalot: the first in the 7th minute from a pass to the center by Bruno Fernandes for the opening goal for Portugal, and then at the end of the first half (41′) but unfortunately into his own net with an unintentional deflection. For the hosts, there was also a crossbar hit by Pedro Neto soon after the 2-1, while Croatia managed only a long-range shot from Kramaric saved by Diogo Costa after half an hour and Matanovic’s diagonal shot which could have tied the game fifteen minutes from the end but they claimed for a handball in the Portugal area midway through the second half.