Cristiano Ronaldo smashes in 120th Portugal goal with free kick

Cristiano Ronaldo brought up his 120th international goal for Portugal by smashing home a direct free kick in their Euro 2024 qualifier.

Ronaldo became the all time top scorer in men's international football back in 2021, and then became the first man to score in five straight World Cups last winter.

However, even though he's given up on top tier club football, by moving to Saudi Arabia to play for Al Nassr, he hasn't given up on scoring for his national team.

On Thursday, he lined up to face Liechtenstein, his first match for Portugal since moving to the Middle East, as they got their qualifying campaign underway.

Joao Canelo, who won't have known he has a new club manager, opened the scoring for the 2016 champions, after just eight minutes.

They had to wait till the second half to double the lead, with Bernardo Silva adding his name to the scoresheet just two minutes after the restart.

Ronaldo then scored his 150th career penalty, also bringing up his 20th consecutive year of scoring for his country, after 51 minutes.

He wasn't finished there however, smashing home a 63rd minute free kick to bring up his 120th international goal and 100th competitive strike for Portugal.

"That nearly took the net off!" 🎙

Cristiano Ronaldo smashes a free kick through the hands of the keeper for his 120th Portugal goal 🚀#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/NOFrpNVHkE

— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 23, 2023

Ronaldo used to be an absolute machine from set pieces, regularly scoring from them, including that worldie against Portsmouth that left David James glued to his line.

He famously rounded off a hat-trick in a World Cup group game against Spain in Russia back in 2018, equalising in injury time.

However, in recent years he has gone through a hell of a barren run when it comes to scoring from dead ball situations, other than penalties.

The Al Nassr star broke his duck six days ago for the Saudi Arabian giants though, equalising against Abha with a thunderous effort.

He later selflessly stepped aside to let teammate Talisca take, and score, a late penalty, as the forward chased down the Golden Boot in the Saudi Pro League.

Karma came back for the 38-year-old just a few days later, as he slotted home his penalty and then doubled his free kick tally for 2023.