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    Slovakia vs Spain LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, as crunch Euro 2020 tie UNDERWAY – Group E latest updates

    SPAIN take on Slovakia tonight with qualification to the last-16 of Euro 2020 still in the balance.After two draws in their opening two matches, the Spanish could sneak through with another stalemate but will want to make sure with three points.

    Kick-off: 5pm
    TV/live stream: ITV 1/ ITV Hub
    Slovakia XI: M Dubravka, Pekarik, Satka, Skriniar, Hubocan, Kucka, Hromada, Haraslin, Hamsik, Mak, Duda
    Spain XI: Simon, Azpilicueta, E Garcia, Laporte, Alba, Koke, Busquets, Pedri, Sarabia, Morata, Moreno

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    Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
    SPAIN 0-0 SLOVAKIA
    8 Spain are looking for an early goal to calm their nerves.
    The Roja’s midfield is linking up very well with the attack while Slovakia start the game playing deep
    SPAIN 0-0 SLOVAKIA
    5 CHANCE!
    Morata tries something between a cross and a shot from a tight angle on his left.
    But Dubravka palms it away, Spain have been pressing hard in the opening few minutes
    SPAIN 0-0 SLOVAKIA
    3 Great news for Spain!
    Sweden have opened the scoring with Forsberg’s left-foot finish against Poland!
    If nothing changes in Saint Petersburg then a draw would take Spain through to the Last 16
    SPAIN 0-0 SLOVAKIA
    2 Another quick reminder:
    Slovakia manager Stefan Tarkovic appears to have opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation with two changes to the team that lost to Sweden last week.
    Martin Dubravka starts in goal with Peter Pekarik at right-back and Tomas Hubocan on the other side, while Lubomir Satka and Milan Skriniar link up at centre-back.
    Juraj Kucka and Jakub Hromada, who replaces Patrik Hrosovsky, team up in midfield with captain Marek Hamsik playing at No10.
    Lukas Haraslin, on for Martin Koscelnik, covers the right flank with Robert Mak on the other side, while Ondrej Duda leads the attack
    SPAIN 0-0 SLOVAKIA
    1 Just a quick reminder:
    Spain manager Luis Enrique appears to have opted for a 4-3-3 formation with four changes to the team that drew with Poland last week.
    Unai Simon starts in goal with Cesar Azpilicueta, replacing Marcos Llorente at right-back, and Jordi Alba on the other side, while Aymeric Laporte teams up with Eric Garcia, on for Pau Torres, at centre-back.
    Koke, Pedri and the returning captain Sergio Busquets, who takes Rodri’s place, link up in midfield.
    Pablo Sarabia, who replaces Dani Olmo, Gerard Moreno and Alvaro Morata lead the attack
    PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
    AND OFF WE GO IN SEVILLE!!!!!!!
    HERE COME THE TEAMS!!!
    The Estadio La Cartuja is ready to host the crucial Euro 2020 clash between Spain and Slovakia.
    The Furia Roja are being led out by captain Sergio Busquets, whereas Marek Hamsik dons his nation’s armband.
    A strong show of fans in Seville, which means we will have quite an atmosphere for what could be a dramatic encounter.
    Not long to go now…
    GETTY IMAGES
    DRAW-ING BOARD
    As explained below, a draw could still work for Spain as long as Poland don’t beat Sweden.
    As you can see, the Furia Roja have picked up ties in each of their last four major tournament matches.
    But Luis Enrique’s men have to do much better today to seal qualification to Euro 2020’s Last 16.
    More below:
    4 – Spain have drawn each of their last four major tournament matches (World Cup and Euros); among European nations, only Italy (five from 1980 to 1982) have ever had a longer run of successive such draws. Neutralised. #ESP #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/baKVxQRG8g— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 23, 2021

    YOUNG BLOOD
    Spain manager Luis Enrique is showing faith in young talent despite the urgency of today’s Euro 2020 clash with Slovakia.
    Barcelona duo Eric Garcia and Pedri have been named in the starting line-up despite their young age of 20 and 18 years old resepctively.
    As you can tell, that is something the Furia Roja don’t tend to do too often.
    More below:
    2 – In Eric García (20) and Pedri (18), Spain have named two players aged 20 or below in their starting XI for a EUROs match for a first time, while it’s the first time they’ve done so at any major tournament since the 2006 World Cup v France (Ramos & Fàbregas). Trust. #EURO2020— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 23, 2021

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    Reckon you can guess the score? Make your prediction before kick-off to be in with a chance of winning £100 cash!

    HOW DO SPAIN GO THROUGH?
    As mentioned below, Spain are facing the risk of elimination in the Euros’ group stage if they don’t beat Slovakia today.
    That would mark the first time they get kicked out so early in the competition since 2004 when they came up short against then hosts Portugal and Greece, who went on to win the tournament.
    However, a draw may still do the trick for the Furia Roja who could qualify the same way Portugal did five years ago when they won Euro 2016.
    But that could only happen if Poland don’t beat Sweden in the other game of the group, meaning that third place could still work as they have a better goal difference than Finland and Ukraine, who also amassed three points
    GETTY IMAGES
    LEAVING A MAREK
    Trabzonspor signing Marek Hamsik poses as Slovakia’s biggest star ahead of their Euro 2020 clash with Spain.
    Hamsik is the Falcons’ record scorer with 26 goals in 126 appearances, which also makes him his country’s most capped player of all time.
    The midfielder rose to prominence during his 12-year stint at Napoli where he amassed a whopping 121 goals and 100 assists in 520 matches across all competitions.
    The 33-year-old registered one goal in six appearances for Goteborg and is now set to join Trabzonspor in July
    GETTY IMAGES
    SLOVAKIA FORMATION
    Slovakia manager Stefan Tarkovic appears to have opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation with two changes to the team that lost to Sweden last week.
    Martin Dubravka starts in goal with Peter Pekarik at right-back and Tomas Hubocan on the other side, while Lubomir Satka and Milan Skriniar link up at centre-back.
    Juraj Kucka and Jakub Hromada, who replaces Patrik Hrosovsky, team up in midfield with captain Marek Hamsik playing at No10.
    Lukas Haraslin, on for Martin Koscelnik, covers the right flank with Robert Mak on the other side, while Ondrej Duda leads the attack
    SPAIN FORMATION
    Spain manager Luis Enrique appears to have opted for a 4-3-3 formation with four changes to the team that drew with Poland last week.
    Unai Simon starts in goal with Cesar Azpilicueta, replacing Marcos Llorente at right-back, and Jordi Alba on the other side, while Aymeric Laporte teams up with Eric Garcia, on for Pau Torres, at centre-back.
    Koke, Pedri and the returning captain Sergio Busquets, who takes Rodri’s place, link up in midfield.
    Pablo Sarabia, who replaces Dani Olmo, Gerard Moreno and Alvaro Morata lead the attack
    SLOVAKIA BENCH
    4 Valjent, 6 Gregus, 7 Weiss, 10 Suslov, 11 Benes, 12 Kuciak, 13 Hrosovsky, 16 Hancko, 21 Duris, 22 Lobotka, 23 Rodak, 24 Koscelnik
    SPAIN BENCH
    1 De Gea, 4 Pau Torres, 6 Llorente, 10 Thiago, 11 Ferran Torres, 13 Sanchez, 14 Gaya, 16 Rodri, 17 Pena, 19 Olmo, 20 Traore, 21 Oyarzabal
    SLOVAKIA XI
    1 Dubravka; 2 Pekarik, 5 Satka, 14 Skriniar, 15 Hubocan; 19 Kucka, 25 Hromada; 18 Haraslin, 17 Hamsik, 20 Mak; 8 Duda
    SPAIN XI
    23 Simon; 2 Azpilicueta, 12 Garcia, 24 Laporte, 18 Alba; 8 Koke, 5 Busquets, 26 Pedri; 22 Sarabia, 9 Gerard, 7 Morata

    THE TEAM SHEETS ARE IN!!!
    MORE GOALS
    Villarreal star Gerard Moreno caused a lot of disappointment back home last week during the 1-1 draw with Poland as he missed a penalty shot that would have given Spain the victory.
    However, this doesn’t change the fact that Gerard still boasts more goal contributions than anyone else in the Furia Roja since his international debut on October 2019.
    The centre-forward has participated in a total of nine goals, as he scored five times and produced four assists along the way.
    The 29-year-old also enjoyed a stunning campaign in LaLiga last season as he registered 23 goals and seven assists in 33 matches, which made him the top Spanish goalscorer in the league
    GETTY IMAGES
    SLOVAKIA STATS
    Slovakia have amassed three points in Group E after beating Poland in their kick-off match and losing to Sweden in the process.
    That means that a draw would be enough to get them through to the Last 16 no matter what happens in the other match of their group.
    That would mark their second consecutive qualification to the knockout stages since their independence as they also made it to the Round of 16 of Euro 2016.
    However, last week’s 1-0 loss to Sweden ended a six-game unbeaten run, which saw Stefan Tarkovic’s men winning twice along the way
    GETTY IMAGES
    SPAIN STATS
    As mentioned below, Spain have been enduring a very poor start in their Euro 2020 campaign as they drew both of their matches in the group stage against Sweden and Poland.
    However, their recent 1-1 tie with the Poles extended their ongoing unbeaten run to nine matches across all competitions, of which they have won a mere four.
    Nevertheless, the Furia Roja have shown they can turn things around with their impressive goalscoring record as they have netted 18 goals along the way, which included a famous 6-0 win over Germany in the Nations League.
    Luis Enrique’s men also registered a total of four clean sheets in the process
    GETTY IMAGES
    HEAD-TO-HEAD
    Spain and Slovakia’s first ever encounter took place way back in 1996 during a World Cup qualifier in Tenerife, which the former won 4-1 on a night that current manager Luis Enrique played and scored.
    Since then, the two sides faced off a total of six times with the Furia Roja winning a majority of four matches, whereas the Slovaks have only emerged victorious once.
    Stefan Tarkovic’s men will look to emulate their heroics from 2014 when they beat the Spaniards 2-1 at home during the Euro 2016 qualifiers.
    However, Spain won the reverse fixture a year later with a score of 2-0, thanks to goals by Jordi Alba and Andres Iniesta, which marks their most recent encounter to date
    GETTY IMAGES
    GOOD AFTERNOON FROM SEVILLE
    Welcome to our live coverage of the Euro 2020 group stage match between Spain and Slovakia at the Estadio La Cartuja.
    It’s go time for both teams with their fates set to be decided on a very open Group E that either one could end up topping or finishing at the bottom of the pile.
    Of course, much is also going to depend on the other big game of the group between Sweden and Poland, who face off at the same time at the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg.
    Spain have been enduring a very disappointing start in their campaign, that could even lead to an abrupt ending unless they finally win today.
    Furia Roja manager Luis Enrique has received a major boost as Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets has returned to full training and will be available for selection following his recent bout with coronavirus.
    Therefore, he could earn a place in the starting line-up next to Barca team-mate Pedri ahead of Manchester City star Rodri, who was booked against Poland last week.
    Slovakia manager Stefan Tarkovic, on the other hand, is going to be without Lazio loanee Denis Vavro, who is still self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19.
    The Slovaks are also going to be without Slavia Prague forward Ivan Schranz as he is still dealing with a thigh injury
    GETTY IMAGES
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    Euro 2020 last 16 fixtures and dates: England secure Wembley tie, Wales vs Denmark in Amsterdam, Italy vs Austria

    THE Euro 2020 group stage has reached squeaky bum time as the final places in the knockout stages are decided.England have followed Wales into the last 16 without even playing after results in Group B and C went their way.
    Netherlands became the first team to be confirmed as group winners at Euro 2020Credit: AP
    England will be at Wembley for a tough last 16 gameCredit: EPA
    But the draw is complicated by the introduction of spots in the knockout stages for the four best third placed teams.
    That means we will not know all the ties until the group stages are finished tonight.
    Euro 2020 last 16 fixtures
    Saturday, June 26
    Wales vs Denmark (5pm) – Amsterdam
    Italy vs Austria (8pm) – Wembley
    Sunday, June 27
    Netherlands vs 3rd place Group D/E/F (5pm) – Budapest
    Belgium vs 3rd place Group A/D/E/F (8pm) – Seville
    Monday, June 28
    Croatia vs Runner-up Group E (5pm) – Copenhagen
    Winner Group F vs Switzerland/Ukraine (8pm) – Bucharest
    Tuesday, June 29
    England vs Runner-up Group F (5pm) – Wembley
    Winner Group E vs Finland/Ukraine/Czech Republic (8pm) – Hampden Park

    Who can England play in the last 16?
    England have won Group D and will be at Wembley in the last 16, where they will meet the runner-up of Group F.
    That could be any one of France, Portugal, Germany and Hungary.
    All four teams are still able to finish second and face England, with France facing Portugal and Germany taking on Hungary tonight. More

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    Euro 2020 3rd place table: Which third-placed nations will qualify and who’s going out?

    EURO 2020 is hotting up with the group stage reaching its final evening.But the draw for the last 16 is complicated by the fact that fans must wait to see which teams finish third in each group.
    Switzerland finished third in Group ACredit: Getty – Pool
    At this tournament, the four best third placed teams will qualify for the last 16, along with all first and second placed nations.
    Euro 2020 third place table
    The third place slots at Euro 2020 are currently occupied by Switzerland (Q), Finland, Ukraine, Czech Republic (Q), Spain and Portugal.
    The Swiss and Czechs have played all their three group games and now sit top of the third place table on four points – as a result of no team being able to better this, those two nations have qualified.
    Spain meanwhile must avoid defeat against Slovakia to have a chance of going through.
    Switzerland and Czech Republic are through but Ukraine and Finland will have to wait on other results

    Have England qualified for the Euro 2020 last 16?
    Yes, Southgate’s men were already through after results in Group B on Monday night.
    The Three Lions beat Czech Republic on Tuesday night to secure top spot in Group D.
    As such, they will now face whoever finishes second in Group F.
    That could be any team from Portugal, France, Germany and Hungary. More

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    Moment Sterling winces in interview and asks for headphones volume to be turned down after reporter’s deafening question

    ENGLAND hero Raheem Sterling winced in pain during his interview following his winning goal against Czech Republic.The 26-year-old scored a header in the 1-0 win on Tuesday night as the Three Lions secured top spot in Group D.
    Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling winced in pain during his post-match interviewCredit: Twitter @England
    England international Sterling scored the winning goal against Czech Republic on Tuesday nightCredit: Twitter @England
    It was his second goal of Euro 2020 as he also fired home in the 1-0 victory over Croatia in England’s opening match of the tournament.
    And following Sterling’s tap in against Czech Republic, the Manchester City winger spoke to the media to comment on his team’s performance.
    But unfortunately for the ex-Liverpool forward, who was wearing headphones in his post-match interview, the reporter was speaking too loud.
    As the interviewer began to congratulate Sterling on a fantastic performance, the Arsenal target grimaced as he instantly pulled the headphones out of his ears.
    He then asked for the volume to be turned down, before continuing to discuss England’s win.
    Fans instantly commented on the incident, as one user quipped: “Me when Robbie Savage is on commentary.”
    Another posted: “Watched it about eight times. Still laughing.”
    A third added: “Hahaha I’m in bits. That’s marvellous.”
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    Sterling roared in his interview that England are not afraid of facing either France, Portugal or Germany in the last-16.
    He told ITV Sport: “At some point you’re going to have to face the best teams and that’s the whole point of a tournament, to challenge yourself.  
    “Our objective from the beginning was to win the group.
    “People were disappointed in the Scotland game but we didn’t concede and that’s the most important thing. 
    “We kept the ball better today, there was more attacking option and we got in the gaps really well and played some really good football at times.”
    Raheem Sterling adamant England aren’t afraid of France, Germany and Portugal in Euro 2020 last-16 More

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    How many children does Cristiano Ronaldo have, what are their names and who are each of their mothers?

    CRISTIANO RONALDO is the world’s most marketable footballer.The former Manchester United forward joined Serie A side Juventus from Real Madrid for £88million in the summer of 2018 – and is also a very proud father.
    Ronaldo is one of the world’s most successful footballersCredit: Reuters
    How many children does Cristiano Ronaldo have?
    Cristiano Ronaldo has four children.
    His first son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 11, is currently starring for Juventus’ youth squads and is already impressing with his goal return.
    Cristiano Jr was born on June 17, 2010 in the United States.
    But he was immediately taken back to Madrid by Dolores to start his life in Spain with his father.
    Cristiano Jr’s family nickname is Cristianinho, which means “little Cristiano”.
    Ronaldo’s son Junior is proving to be a talented player himselfCredit: AFP – Getty
    And the Portugal captain announced in June 2017 that he had fathered twins via a surrogate mother in the United States.
    Ronaldo remained with the national team during the Confederations Cup campaign at the same time, only announcing the birth of Eva and Matteo after Portugal’s penalty shootout loss to Chile.
    Ronaldo confirmed in an interview on July 18, 2017, that he and Spanish girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez were expecting their first baby together.
    Ronaldo shared this snap with the caption ‘My princesses’Credit: Instagram @cristiano
    When asked by Spanish news outlet El Mundo whether the player was “happy” to have another child on the way, he replied: “Yes, very much.”
    Georgina gave birth to baby daughter Alana Martina on November 12, 2017.
    Ronaldo posted a picture on Instagram, writing: “Alana Martina is just born! Both Geo and Alana are doing great! We are all very happy!'”
    And it looks like Ronaldo’s sons have inherited his footballing talent – with his toddlers showing off their skills over the summer break in the garden.
    Cristiano Ronaldo has vowed to reveal the truth to his son about his mother’s story when he’s olderCredit: Reuters
    Who is Cristiano Jr’s mother?
    The identity of Cristiano Junior’s mother is unknown, but Ronaldo Senior has full custody of his son with reports suggesting that his mother was paid £10million.
    Ronaldo told chat show host Jonathan Ross: “People speculate I was with this girl or another, or there was a surrogate mother. I have never told anyone and never will.
    “When Cristiano [Junior] is going to grow up, I am always going to say the truth to him because he deserves it, because he is my son, but I am not going to say because people want me to say.”
    Spanish beauty Georgina Rodriguez caught Ronaldo’s attention at a VIP eventCredit: The Mega Agency
    Who is Georgina Rodriguez?
    Georgina is the mother of Ronaldo’s fourth child Alana.
    She was born on January 27, 1994, in Jaca, Spain.
    Georgina has worked as a waitress and au pair.

    She gave birth to Alana on November 12, 2017.
    She has 25million followers on Instagram. More

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    Predict the Wales v Denmark full-time score to enter our Euro 2020 £250 prize draw

    WALES take on Denmark at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam on Saturday and you could win our £250 cash prize if you can predict the full-time score correctly.Rob Page’s men ensured their place in the first knockout round by finishing second in Group A thanks to a win against Turkey and a draw with the Swiss.
    Wales captain Gareth Bale motivates his teammates prior to the clash with ItalyCredit: PA
    The Danes, on the other hand, sealed their place in the last 16 with a dramatic 4-1 victory over Russia in Copenhagen, leapfrogging both Russia and Finland to finish second in Group B.
    Wales will be without the ‘red wall’, who have been prohibited by Dutch authorities from making the trip across the channel to support their team due to COVID travel restrictions.
    Both sides have shown mixed form so far and are both playing on foreign soil in this one, which makes it even harder to guess the outcome. Will the Danes do it for Eriksen? Will Wales do it without their fans?
    This is a particularly tough one to predict, which is why if you get it right you could win a tasty £250 in cash! Get your guess for the full-time score in by kick-off to be in with a chance…

    Wales fans have been in good song cheering on their team at Euro 2020Credit: AFP

    Test your football knowledge by guessing the score of every match at Euro 2020 – featured in our live rolling blog – to be in with a chance of winning cash prizes between £50-£500.
    We’ve had thousands of entries, but no correct predictions for FOUR games so far in the tournament. You’ve got to be in it to win it, so why not give it a go?
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    Wales reach Euro knockouts despite defeat to Italy More

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    Why does Cristiano Ronaldo wear long sleeve shirts when he plays for Portugal and Juventus?

    CRISTIANO RONALDO is looking to fire Portugal to a second successive Euros title this summer.The Portugal ace and his team-mates are up against France tonight in their final group game.
    Viewers have noticed a certain tradition Cristiano Ronaldo swears byCredit: EPA
    Why does Cristiano Ronaldo always wear long sleeve shirts?
    YOU may have noticed that you’ve very rarely seen CR7 wear a short-sleeved shirt.
    And that’s because for around the last decade, Cristiano Ronaldo has worn nothing but his now signature long-sleeves.
    Ronaldo celebrates at Euro 2016 with his now signature long sleeve lookCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Through most of his time with Manchester United and then Real Madrid, the Portuguese star has stuck to this – except for a few rare occasions.
    No one is completely sure whether it is superstition, a fashion statement or simply the jersey he feels most comfortable in.
    But brand Ronaldo does have a certain ‘look’ – and this includes the long-sleeve shirt.
    The 2004 defeat to Greece in the Euro final was tough for the young Ronaldo to takeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Potentially the turning point could’ve been the painful Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006 campaigns, both of which ended with Ronaldo in tears on the pitch.
    He wore short-sleeves in the next two international tournaments, which were a failure – before making the switch for Euro 2012, where Portugal once again crashed out in a semi-final.
    In Portugal’s Euro 2020 game against Germany however, Cristiano Ronaldo decided to break with tradition.
    Eagle-eyed viewers will have noticed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner wearing a long sleeve shirt in the first half and a short sleeve shirt in the second half.
    However, it was over 30 degrees in Munich that day so his choice of clothing seemed understandable.
    Whether it is superstition or fashion, Ronaldo’s legend continues to grow thanks to his incredible exploits on the pitch.
    Cristiano Ronaldo in long sleeves in the first half against GermanyCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo switched to short sleeves for the second half but was unable to prevent a 4-2 defeatCredit: Getty More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo international goal record: How many goals does Ronaldo need at Euro 2020 to beat Ali Daei?

    CRISTIANO RONALDO is getting ever closer to smashing the all-time international goals record.The Portugal captain, 36, is now up to it 107 and counting – meaning he’s now desperately close to Iranian legend Ali Daei’s record.
    Ronaldo has scored three goals in two games at the EurosCredit: Reuters

    Ronaldo has been bearing down on the record for some time now, having scored his 100th Portugal goal against Sweden in September 2020.
    The Juventus star could even equal it this summer in the Euros after smashing two past Hungary.
    Ronaldo added another to his tally against Germany and faces France in the final group game on Wednesday.
    He will fancy his chances of dragging his nation into the knockout stages, with a deep run helping his chances of becoming the top international scorer of all time.
    Daei notched an incredible 109 goals in 140 appearances for Iran, before retiring from the game in 2006.
    His record has stood for an impressive 14 years, and not even Lionel Messi or Neymar have come anywhere near it.
    But Ronaldo has just two goals to go to equal it.
    “All records must be broken and I will beat that record,” Ronaldo said before he scored twice against Sweden.

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    Just below Ronaldo in the scoring charts is Hungary legend Ferenc Puskas, who tallied up an astonishing 84 goals in just 85 apps.
    Following Ronaldo’s breaking of the century barrier, his ex-Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand called the achievement ‘crazy’.
    Ferdinand said: “Some players don’t even get 100 goals in their whole career.
    “This isn’t even about your club goals, this is just the national team. It’s crazy.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Cristiano Ronaldo removes Coke bottles at Portugal press conference and shouts ‘drink water’ More