(*4*)Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a aim throughout Portugal’s 6-0 win over Luxemborg (Ronaldo Twitter)
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 4 objectives in his final two appearances for Portugal after he was benched through the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar
Cristiano Ronaldo stays a “crucial” player for Portugal, coach Roberto Martinez said on Sunday after the veteran striker scored a second successive brace in Euro 2024 qualifying against Luxembourg.
The 38-year-old opened the scoring for the Euro 2016 winners by turning in Nuno Mendes’ header and slotted home another in the 31st minute as Portugal won 6-0.
Ronaldo, who also netted twice against Liechtenstein on Thursday, increased his records of most men’s international appearances and goals to 198 and 122 respectively.
“Cristiano is a unique player in the world, with the highest number of international caps,” stated Martinez, who has restored Ronaldo to the beginning line-up after he was dropped through the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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“The expertise he has for the dressing room is essential.
“All gamers have an vital position. The youthful ones on account of their willingness to play and gamers like Cristiano Ronaldo, Rui Patricio and Bernardo Silva convey expertise.
“It’s vital to have a whole dressing room.”
Martinez joined Portugal after the World Cup, replacing Fernando Santos who had been in charge since 2014.
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The Spaniard has enjoyed a fine start, with his team already two points clear at the top of Group J having scored 10 goals without reply.
Joao Felix, Bernardo Silva, Otavio and Rafael Leao were all also on the scoresheet in Luxembourg.
The two parties separated their paths and while the Red Devils are also soaring high under Dutch coach Erik Ten Hag, Ronaldo too has scored a total of 12 goals in 26 appearances for both Al-Nassr and Man United this season.
(With inputs from AFP)
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