A two-goal display from Juventus striker ensured Portugal’s berth in the Euro 2020 knockout stage. The Juventus star scored both times from the spot and, equalling one record and breaking another.
A 2-2 draw against France was enough to ensure Portugal’s place in the Round-of-16 of the UEFA Euro 2020. The Selecao were at risk of elimination ahead of the match, but a brace from talisman ensured that their Euro journey wasn’t cut short after the first stage.
Ronaldo’s first of the two goals against France arrived midway through the first half when Portugal were awarded a penalty due to Hugo Lloris’ reckless play inside the box. The forward made no mistake from the spot to give his side the lead, and in doing so, broke Miroslav Klose’s record of goals scored in major tournaments. Debuting at the 2004 Euros, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner netted his 20th goal of any major international tournament, surpassing Klose’s tally of 19.
France, however, hit back before half-time, with Karim Benzema scoring from the spot. Ronaldo’s former teammate made it 2-1 to Les Bleus shortly after the restart, latching onto a superb Paul Pogba pass before placing the ball out of Rui Patricio’s reach.
Nonetheless, Ronaldo’s second goal of the match – and his 21st overall in a major tournament – levelled the match once again. Meanwhile, the Portugal star also matched Iranian legend Ali Daei’s all-time international goals record of 109. He is one goal away from becoming the most successful international footballer in the history of the sport in terms of goals scored.
Ronaldo’s brace secured a draw for Portugal, but the Selecao still finished third in their group. Elsewhere, Germany’s draw against Hungary meant that Joachim Low’s men managed to finish second behind France, thus setting up a Round-of-16 clash against old rivals England. Portugal, meanwhile, will face Belgium in the first knockout round, the latter qualifying as Group B winners.
