Portugal Defeats Croatia as Ronaldo Nets His 900th Career Goal
Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo lead his national team to a crucial 2-1 victory over Croatia in Lisbon. The clash was part of the opening round of Group A in League A of the UEFA Nations League. Elsewhere, Spain was held to a goalless draw by Serbia in their first game since winning the 2024 UEFA European Championship.
In the first match, Diogo Dalot (7’) opened the scoring for Portugal, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo (34’), who reached his 900th career goal for both club and country.
Before the match, the Portuguese Football Federation paid tribute to veteran defender Pepe, who retired from international football after the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.
A giant image of the Euro 2016 and 2019 Nations League winner was displayed in the stands, celebrating his decorated career.
Dalot’s opener came after Bruno Fernandes delivered a well-timed pass, allowing him to slot the ball past Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković.
Ronaldo ended his five-game goal drought, which lasted throughout Euro 2024, with a solid first-touch strike in the 34th minute, converting a cross from Nuno Mendes. Croatia, however, responded just before halftime when Diogo Dalot, in an attempt to clear a cross, inadvertently put the ball into his own net in the 41st minute.
Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martínez, chose to keep Ronaldo on the field until the 87th minute, when he was replaced by Liverpool winger Diogo Jota. Three other substitutions had been made earlier in the match, while Standout midfielder Vitinha had to leave the pitch in the last minutes due to injury.
In the other match in the same group, Poland snatched a late 3-2 victory over hosts Scotland, having almost squandered the three points.
Sebastian Szymański broke the deadlock after a brilliant cross by Robert Lewandowski, who also converted a penalty to double the lead (44’).
Scotland fought back with Billy Gilmour scoring just after halftime (46’), and Scott McTominay equalizing following Anthony Ralston’s assist (76’).
Poland, however, clinched the win deep into stoppage time, with Nicola Zalewski coolly converting a penalty in the 90+7 minute.
Meanwhile, Spain was unable to secure a victory in their first match since the Euros, settling for a 0-0 draw against Serbia.
Spain’s head coach stuck largely to the same squad that played against England in the Euro 2024 final, with a few key changes: David Raya in goal, Martín Zubimendi in midfield, and Ayoze Pérez leading the attack.
Despite dominating possession, “La Roja” were unable to penetrate Serbia’s compact defense.
In another match in the group, Denmark secured a late 2-0 victory over a depleted Swiss side, climbing to the top of the standings
Patrick Dorgu (82) and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (90+2, from a penalty) scored for Denmark, while the Swiss team played with two fewer players due to the red cards given to defender Nico Elvedi (50) and midfielder Granit Xhaka (87).
Looking ahead, Spain will face Switzerland away in the next round, while Denmark prepares to host Serbia on Sunday.
