Ronaldo's 138th Goal Seals Portugal's UEFA Nations League Title; "Nothing Is Better," He Says (image-instagram/ cristiano)
His 138th international goal in the second half of the game proved to be the turning point in the UEFA Nations League final, paving the way for their victory. Ronaldo, the 40-year-old, who continues to redefine Portuguese football, has now brought in three major trophies including the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 Nations League winner’s medals.
The Portugal skipper shed tears of joy as they won their second Nations League title on Sunday. With utmost pride and joy, Ronaldo insisted that nothing is better than winning trophies with Portugal.
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“Winning for Portugal is always special. I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal. It’s tears. It’s duty done and a lot of joy,” Ronaldo said while speaking to Sport TV.
He further added that being the captain of this current generation is a sense of pride; “Winning a title is always the pinnacle in a national team.”
Ronaldo, though replaced in the 88th minute, had already done his part by scoring the equalizer for the team. When Yamal had struggled to make inroads, Ronaldo pounced on his last chance, firing Portugal level from close range just past the hour mark.
With neither side able to score during extra time, the match proceeded to a shootout, where Portugal successfully converted all five penalties to claim the trophy.
And making the game even more exciting, the tussle between the Iberian neighbours was billed as a clash between old and new – 40-year-old and five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. However, at 40, winning yet another trophy for his country adds weight to his legacy and settles part of the GOAT debate for many.
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Meanwhile, Portugal’s Nuno Mendes, who had scored their opener, was named the player of the tournament.
