Cristiano Ronaldo's 101st International Goal Is Even Better Than His 100th

Cristiano Ronaldo took a step closer to the all time international goal scorer record, with a wonderful second goal against Sweden on Tuesday night.

In the first half Ronaldo became just the second ever man to reach triple figures for international goals, when his free kick went into the top corner.

However not one to be upstaged by himself, the Juventus forward managed to out do it with his 101st goal, as he floated the ball beautifully over the diving goalkeeper from outside the area.

The 35-year-old hadn't been available for selection for Portugal's first game in the 2020/21 Nations League campaign, as they beat Croatia 4-1.

But her returned on Tuesday night to face Sweden, starting the game just one goal from becoming the first European men's player to reach triple figures in international football.

It took him 45 minutes to reach that incredible mark, scoring from a free kick in typical fashion, and with his eyes now on the all time record he scored again in the 72nd minute.

The 101st goal of his Portugal career means he is now just eight behind Ali Daei's record, which has stood since the Iran forward retired in 2006, after that summer's World Cup.

Daei's total of 109 could certainly be under threat by the end of the year with Portugal set to play six more fixtures before the end of November.

Next month they face Spain in a friendly before two more Nations League games, against Sweden again and world champions France, before another friendly with Andorra and the return fixtures with France and Croatia in the Nations League.

Ronaldo celebrates his second. Image: PA Images

If he hasn't reached the target by then, the former Manchester United winger will have some friendlies before next summer's Euros to break the record and then we'll be into the tournament.

To equal Ferenc Puskas' record as the European all time top scorer, Ronaldo scored a hat-trick against Spain in the World Cup, lord only knows what he'll have up his sleeve to break the all time record.

Topics: Football News, Nations League, International Football, Portugal, Sweden, Cristiano Ronaldo

Ryan Sidle

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