"Same as San Marino when Ronaldo retires", "Mr Clutch" - Social media explodes as Cristiano Ronaldo scores winner for Portugal
Football fans on social media erupted as Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winning goal for Portugal in their UEFA Nations League clash against Scotland. The match ended in a 2-1 win for the Selecao on September 8, at Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica.
Former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay gave Scotland an early lead in the seventh minute after being set up by Kenny McLean. Portugal went into the half-time break with a one goal deficit and subbed on Cristiano Ronaldo in place of Pedro Neto for the second off.
Bruno Fernandes found the equalizer for the Selecao with a long-range strike in the 54th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo netted the winning goal from an assist by Nuno Mendes in the 88th minute, beginning his journey to 1000 career goals. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner scored his 900th career goal in their UEFA Nations League opener against Croatia.
Fans flooded social media with posts reacting to Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the winner for Portugal against Scotland in the UEFA Nations League. Here are some of their reactions from X (formerly Twitter):
One fan wrote:
"Portugal would be same as San Marino when Ronaldo retires."
Another added:
"Mr clutch."
"Ronaldo does it again !!!" chimed in another fan.
One account posted:
"CRISTIANO RONALDO, THE GREATEST THERE IS, THE GREATEST THERE WAS, THE GREATEST THERE WILL EVER BE !!!"
Another tweeted:
"99 goals to go."
One user wrote:
"39 and still the best player in the world."
While another wrote:
"some say he is finished."
Following the win against Scotland, Portugal are on top of Group A with six points in the 2024 UEFA Nations League.
Portugal boss on Cristiano Ronaldo following Nations League victory against Scotland
Portugal national team head coach Roberto Martínez shared his thoughts about Cristiano Ronaldo's performance in their 2-1 victory against Scotland in the UEFA Nations League. The Spanish tactician was questioned by many ahead of the match about his decision to bench the 39-year-old star forward.
Roberto Martínez praised Ronaldo, mentioning the captain's commitment to the national team, and said (via @TimelineCR7 on X):
"Cristiano is in a good moment. It's September. He's played three games and scored for the club. We need to protect all the players. Cristiano can't play two 90-minute games. He needs to be there to finish the game, not to start the game. I liked his commitment."
Martínez added:
"Dependence? He's an incredible player. There's no dependence. He's an asset. In front of goal he's very important. His intelligence in opening up spaces is important. Talking about dependence is not something I value."
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be back in action for Al-Nassr's upcoming clash against Al-Ahli Saudi in the Saudi Pro League on Friday, September 13, at Al-Awwal Park.