CRISTIANO RONALDO scored a late goal to move one step closer to the all-time international goal record.
The Juventus superstar was a sub as Portugal beat minnows Andorra 7-0 in a friendly.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 102nd international goal as Portugal beat Andorra 7-0Credit: Reuters
Portugal boss Fernando Santos chose to rest his big guns ahead of the Nations League clash with France on Saturday, with Ronaldo joined by the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Diogo Jota and Joao Felix on the bench.
A raft of half-time changes saw Portugal score FIVE goals in the second half – with Ronaldo among the goals.
A header in the 85th minute took his tally to 102 goals at international level, just seven away from equalling current record holder Ali Daei.
The former Bayern Munich and Hertha Berlin striker scored 109 goals in 149 games for Iran between 1993 and 2006.
Ronaldo, who missed earlier chances to get a goal, had replaced Pedro Neto, the 20-year-old Wolves forward who was making his debut.
He opened the scoring for Portugal in the eighth minute before Braga’s Paulinho added to the lead to make it 2-0 at the break.
Ronaldo needs just seven more goals to equal the all-time record for goals scored at international levelCredit: EPA
Renato Sanches then started the scoring in the second half with Paulinho, who was also making his Portugal debut, scoring his second soon after.
An own-goal by Andorra’s Emili Garcia made it 5-0, and Joao Felix scored late on after Ronaldo had struck.
Portugal host France on Saturday in the Nations League, then visit Croatia on Tuesday.
They trails Group B leader Ukraine by three points entering its final two matches in the European competition.
Man Utd ‘in talks over sensational Cristiano Ronaldo transfer return next season as Juventus look to offload superstar’
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
