’It’s the kind of moment you don’t expect,’ Ronaldo says of being the first male player to reach 200 caps.

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first man in men’s football history to make 200 international appearances, and he celebrated by scoring the game-winning goal in the 89th minute as Portugal defeated Iceland 1-0 in a European Championship qualifier.

Ronaldo scored the sole goal in Tuesday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Iceland, who played with 10 men after Willum Willumsson was sent off with 10 minutes remaining.

After breaking Kuwait forward Bader Al-Mutawa’s 196-cap record in March, Ronaldo, 38, was honored by Guinness World Records before kickoff on Tuesday for reaching 200 games for Portugal nearly 20 years after making his debut.

And he was celebrating at the conclusion of the game, too, after scoring the game-winning goal from close range against Iceland to put Portugal on track for Euro 2024 qualification with the Portuguese team’s fourth win in four Group J games.

The Portugal team’s official Twitter account contained the message: “How it all began. “How’s it going?” a caption reads above a photo of a young Ronaldo playing in an early appearance for Portugal, next to a shot of a delighted Ronaldo during Tuesday’s game.

Ronaldo added his 123rd international goal for Portugal on Tuesday, capping off another memorable night for the former Real Madrid and Manchester United great.

Ronaldo stated that he was “very proud” to have played 200 games for Portugal.

“I’m overjoyed. It’s the kind of thing you never expect to happen, 200 caps. “It’s an incredible achievement for me,” Ronaldo told UEFA’s website. “Of course, to score the winning goal, it’s even more special.”When asked to name his favorite game out of the 199 he’s played, Ronaldo couldn’t pick just one.

“It’s difficult to choose just one.” I’ve had so many wonderful experiences. The Euro 2016, the Nations League, but there are so many great moments that I’d rather say the next game is the finest,” he remarked.

Ronaldo’s teammates Rafael Leao and Bruno Fernandes had looked more likely to create an opportunity in the match in Reykjavik until Iceland midfielder Willum Willumsson was sent off for a second yellow card with 10 minutes remaining in normal time.

Ronaldo had missed many chances and was penalized for diving in the 83rd minute before scoring from close range after Goncalo Inacio headed the ball down.

Even then, there was a nervous wait for a Video assistant referee (VAR) review before Ronaldo could celebrate in his trademark style.

Joao Moutinho, a midfielder, is now the second-most capped male player for Portugal, with 146 appearances, while defender Pepe is third with 133.