Cristiano Ronaldo became the greatest goalscorer in the history of the European Championship finals after netting a brace in Portugal’s 3-0 win against Hungary on Tuesday. (CNN)
The 36-year-old had been level with Michel Platini on nine goals ahead of Euro 2020 but overtook the France great after scoring a penalty in the 87th minute. He then added another sensational goal in stoppage time as he bagged his 106th international goal.
The Portuguese forward is just four goals away from setting the all-time men’s international top goalscorer record, which is held by Iranian Ali Daei 109 goals.
Only two players have scored in nine consecutive major international tournaments: World Cup + Euros / Copa América / AFCON.Asamoah Gyan 🤝 Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese superstar, who had been quiet for much of the game, also become the first player in European Championships history to appear at five different tournaments (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020). Legend.
“The important thing was to win. It was a difficult game, against an opponent who defended very well, but we scored three goals and I am very grateful to the team for helping me to score two goals,” Ronaldo said after the game.
The sight of football supporters packed to the rafters in a stadium has been a scarcity since the pandemic began but the game in Budapest, Hungary, was played in front of 55,662 fans at the Puskas Arena.
France wins
The two European juggernauts played later on Tuesday with France winning 1-0 courtesy of an early own goal by Mats Hummels.
The German defender sliced a clearance into the back of his own net after a beautifully crafted pass from Paul Pogba released Lucas Hernandez down the left after 20 minutes.
France, considered by many as favorites to win the tournament, looked threatening throughout but just couldn’t add to its goal tally.
Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema both had second-half goals correctly ruled out for offside and Adrien Rabiot hit the post after a driving run.
Germany, meanwhile, often looked toothless in attack and struggled to cope with France’s lightning-quick counterattacks.
France faces Hungary in its next group match, whilst Germany takes on Portugal.