Portugal qualify as Ronaldo reaches 99 goals

Only Iran legend Ali Daei has scored more international goals than Cristiano Ronaldo[/caption]

Cristiano Ronaldo was made to wait for his 100th international goal as defending champions Portugal edged past Luxembourg to qualify for Euro 2020.

Fernando Santos’ 2016 winners required victory to confirm second spot in Group B and finish three points clear of Serbia, who drew 2-2 against Ukraine. Ronaldo tapped in his 99th goal to seal victory with four minutes remaining. Bernardo Silva’s ball over the top had allowed Bruno Fernandes to fire the visitors ahead after 39 minutes. Ronaldo must wait until the next international break in March for the chance to become just the second male player to reach 100 goals for his nation. He is now just 10 behind Iran legend Ali Daei’s world-record tally of 109, after ensuring his most prolific calendar year for Portugal with 14 goals. The Juventus forward struck his ninth international hat-trick on Thursday against Lithuania to set up the opportunity to hit a century on Sunday. However, Portugal – and Ronaldo – were left largely frustrated by an organised Luxembourg side on a difficult playing surface, with Fernandes’ control and finish before half-time a brief spark of quality in a tight game. Source: BBC]]>