After the first 3 matches under coach Roberto Martinez, the Portuguese team won all with 13 goals, 0 conceded. Facing Iceland, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates continued to extend their streak of clean sheets, although this time the challenge was more difficult.
This match marked Cristiano Ronaldo's 200th appearance for the national team. According to Opta data, Ronaldo is the first player in the history of world football to do so.
Ronaldo extends his record of appearances for the national team.
Playing away from home, Portugal still dominated possession with a rate of over 70%. However, Iceland's tight defense made it difficult for coach Martinez's players to create opportunities. Portugal only had 3 shots on target in this match.
It wasn't until the 89th minute that the visitors scored. From a header from Goncalo Inacio, Ronaldo approached the goal without being marked and easily finished into the Iceland net. This was the 37-year-old superstar's 123rd goal for the Portuguese national team.
The referee initially disallowed Ronaldo's goal because he thought his teammate was offside. However, after consulting VAR, the referee changed his decision and awarded the goal to Portugal.
Portugal struggled against Iceland.
The remaining time of the match was not enough for Iceland to turn the situation around. The Portuguese team still controlled the match well in the final minutes, not giving their opponents a chance to equalize. Ronaldo and his teammates won with a score of 1-0.
After the first four matches of the EURO 2024 qualifiers, Portugal are top of Group J with 12 points. They are the second highest scorers (14 goals, just behind England's 15). Apart from Portugal, only two other teams, France and Hungary, have not conceded a goal.
Result: Iceland 0-1 Portugal
Score
Portugal: Ronaldo (89')
Han Phong
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