Ronaldo’s late goal against Scotland brings up surprising career first

Cristiano Ronaldo is someone who’s done pretty much everything, but he managed a career first during Portugal’s win over Scotland.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was the hero yet again as his 88th-minute goal gave Portugal a 2-1 win in the Nations League clash in Lisbon.

It was a poacher’s finish for the man who has a staggering 901 career goals, 132 for his country, to his name as the unmarked Ronaldo tapped into an empty net as he met a wicked cross from the left.

The goal came after Ronaldo hit the post twice in quick succession with Portugal furiously chasing a winning goal.

Scotland took a shock lead early in the first half when Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate Scott McTominay headed in from close range.

Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes got Portugal level after his left-footed shot from 20 yards out was palmed into the net by Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn.

And Ronaldo had the final say to perhaps silence some of the doubters about his use to his national team.

The match was significant for Al Nassr star Ronaldo as it was the first time he’s ever scored against Scottish opposition in his 22-year career.

The 39-year-old had faced Rangers on one occasion and Celtic on three occasions in the Champions League during his first spell with Man United.

During the four-match spell, spanning a five-year period between November 2003 and November 2008, Ronaldo was unable to score.

However, he’s put those Scotland struggles to rights with his late winner on Sunday night.

Ronaldo has enjoyed a productive international break having scored the decisive goal in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Croatia on Thursday night.

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But there are doubts over whether Ronaldo should be playing such a key role in the Portugal team given he’s in the twilight years of his career, including from talkSPORT’s Gabby Agbonlahor.

“If you watched him in the Euros, we forget don’t we, that he didn’t do anything,” Agbonlahor said.

“He probably hindered other players being played. I think him playing that many games probably cost Portugal.

“I know people will say that’s harsh and it’s not his fault, but you know, you had your time. You’ve still got what it takes, but have you got what it takes at the highest level any more?

“There’s a reason why he’s playing in Saudi Arabia, there’s a reason why he got let go at Manchester United, there’s a reason why he’s not playing in Europe.

“I just think Portugal have got so many exciting players that were left on the bench during that Euros.”

Agbonlahor continued: “Ronaldo will want to go to the World Cup, he’s not just carrying on to play the Nations League. The end goal is retiring at the World Cup.

“But if I’m [Roberto] Martinez I’m like ‘ugh, it’s the Ronaldo show again’. He’s already said I don’t want to be a bench player. He said if he’s in the squad he wants to be a starter. You’ve got that problem. It’s a hard one for the manager because is Ronaldo as big as Portugal?”

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