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Ronaldo already held the record for most
international appearances when he surpassed Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa’s,
who held the record of 196 matches, during Portugal's Euro 2024
qualifier against Liechtenstein in March.
Portugal struggled to break the deadlock against Iceland but
stepped up the pressure after Willum Thor Willumsson was sent
off for a second yellow card after a rough tackle on substitute
Goncalo Inacio in the 81st minute.
Ronaldo had to wait two minutes to celebrate the winner as the
referee first ruled out his close-range strike in the 89th
minute for offside, but the goal was given after the VAR replay
showed he was fractionally onside.
It was Ronaldo's 123rd goal for Portugal, extending his record
as the all-time leading international goalscorer.
The result left Portugal top with 12 points, two ahead of
second-placed Slovakia, who won 1-0 away to Liechtenstein
earlier on Tuesday.
Portugal started more aggressively but Iceland slowly took
control and had two great chances to lead in the first half
through defender Victor Palsson and full-back Hordur Magnusson.
But Portugal responded after the break and gradually got into
the game, with Ronaldo's goal securing the points.
(Reporting by Fernando Kallas; Editing by Ken Ferris)
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