A Historic Clash: Iceland vs Portugal

Football • 21 Jun, 2023 • 1,48,949 Views • ⭐ 5.0

Written by Shivani Chourasia

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A Brief History

Iceland vs. Portugal Highlights | Euro Qualifiers | FOX Sports — Image Credits: FOX Sports

The much-anticipated match between Iceland and Portugal took place on 20th June 2023, marking an exciting moment in football history. While these two teams had only met once before on the field, the competition was already rife. Portugal had won their previous encounter, setting up a tense atmosphere for this match as Iceland aimed to even the score.

The Match at Laugardalsvöllur

Euro Qualifiers: Cristiano Ronaldo cherishes winning goal vs Iceland in record 200th appearance for Portugal - India Today — Image Credits: India Today

As the Icelandic sun shone over Laugardalsvöllur stadium in Reykjavik, a crowd of 8,600 football enthusiasts gathered to witness the showdown between these two teams. The tension was palpable as Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's star player, stepped onto the pitch for his 200th international appearance.

Portugal started the game aggressively, but Iceland gradually took control, offering two brilliant opportunities to take the lead in the first half via defender Victor Palsson and full-back Hordur Magnusson. However, the Portuguese team responded after the break and gradually got into the game, with Ronaldo's goal securing the points.

Ronaldo's Historic Goal

Iceland 0-1 Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo nets 89th-minute winner on historic 200th international appearance - Eurosport — Image Credits: Eurosport

The match saw Ronaldo score a stunning late goal, making Portugal victorious with a 1-0 win over Iceland. This goal extended Portugal's perfect record in the Euro 2024 qualifying Group J and marked a significant milestone for Ronaldo as he became the first player to make 200 international appearances. This goal was Ronaldo's 123rd for Portugal, extending his record as the all-time leading international goalscorer.

Despite Ronaldo's milestone, the game was not without its dramatic moments. 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. However, the goal was given after the VAR replay showed he was fractionally onside.