Cristiano Ronaldo extended his international goal record to 133, helping Portugal secure a 3-1 victory over Poland in the Nations League on Saturday.
The win maintained Portugal’s perfect start to the tournament. Ronaldo, at 39 years old, was quick to pounce after Rafael Leão’s shot hit the post in the 37th minute, netting the rebound to make it 2-0.
Bernardo Silva had earlier opened the scoring for Portugal in Warsaw with a goal in the 26th minute.
Ronaldo, despite failing to score in his five appearances at this summer’s European Championship—where Portugal was knocked out in the quarterfinals—has found his form in the Nations League.
He’s now scored in three consecutive matches, including his 900th career goal against Croatia and another against Scotland in September.
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez substituted Ronaldo for Diogo Jota with just under 30 minutes left to play, giving the veteran forward some rest.
Poland managed to reduce the deficit in the 78th minute when midfielder Piotr Zielinski scored, but their hopes of a comeback were dashed when Southampton defender Jan Bednarek inadvertently scored an own-goal with two minutes left on the clock.
Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski, playing alongside Karol Swiderski, struggled to break through Portugal’s solid defense.
Martínez praised his side’s preparation and defense against the Polish attack, stating, “We worked very hard the last few days, preparing various solutions for this game, and we were able to show it on the pitch. I am really satisfied because we controlled this game. Also, I am satisfied how Renato Veiga and Rúben Dias performed against one of the best in the world (in Lewandowski).”
With the win, Portugal remains at the top of Group A1 with nine points from three games. Croatia sits in second with six points after a 2-1 comeback win against Scotland in Zagreb. Poland, with just three points, remains third, and Scotland is yet to secure any points in the group.
In the match between Croatia and Scotland, Ryan Christie gave the Scots the lead in the 33rd minute, but Igor Matanovic equalized for the hosts just three minutes later.
Andrej Kramaric completed Croatia’s comeback with a goal in the 70th minute.
Scotland thought they had salvaged a point when substitute Che Adams was involved in a stoppage-time equalizer, but VAR ruled it offside.
Meanwhile, in Group A4, Spain edged Denmark 1-0 thanks to a stunning volley by Martín Zubimendi.
The Real Sociedad midfielder, who has been filling in for the injured Rodri, smashed home a rebound in the 79th minute to break the deadlock.
Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel got a hand to the shot but couldn’t prevent it from going in.
Zubimendi, who had impressed during Spain’s Euro 2024 final victory over England, has continued to shine in Rodri’s absence.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was full of praise for the young midfielder, saying, “Martín is a treasure. I suppose with his goal he will get more attention, but his play, the fact that he’s got a computer in his brain, means we are privileged to have him at a time when Rodri will be out for a while.”
Spain, defending Nations League champions, now leads Group A4 with seven points after three games.
Denmark follows closely with six points, while Serbia sits third with four points after a 2-0 victory over Switzerland, who remain without a point. In Serbia’s match, Nico Elvedi scored an own-goal for the Swiss just before halftime, and Aleksandar Mitrovic doubled Serbia’s lead with a solo effort in the 61st minute. Swiss hopes were further dashed when Serbia’s goalkeeper, Predrag Rajkovic, saved a penalty taken by Breel Embolo.
Elsewhere, Kosovo secured a 2-1 win over Lithuania in League C, Romania cruised past Cyprus with a 3-0 victory, Northern Ireland played out a goalless draw at Belarus, and Bulgaria was held to a 0-0 draw at home by Luxembourg.
