PORTUGAL
Cristiano Ronaldo suspended: Will CR7 play against Luxembourg?
The Portugal captain was lucky to escape a red card in his side’s 1-0 win over Slovakia.
Portugal extended their perfect start to European Championships qualifying with a 1-0 win over Slovakia on Friday evening.
Roberto Martinez’ side have won all five of their Group J fixtures without conceding a single goal, scoring 15 of their own. A first half goal from Bruno Fernandes was enough to give them a narrow win in Bratislava, but they will be without their captain for the next fixture.
Cristiano Ronaldo was given a yellow card on Friday for a late challenge on former Manchester United teammate Martin Dubravka. As Ronaldo has now collected three bookings he will be suspended for the game against Luxembourg on Monday.
His absence will be a miss for Martinez, who has been full of praise for Ronaldo since taking over the national team. The former Belgium boss described Ronaldo as “an example of a player who wants the best for the team.”
How many international goals has Ronaldo scored?
The 37-year-old frontman will be disappointed to miss the visit of Luxembourg, a game that would bring the prospect of adding to his incredible international scoring figures.
CR7 is the record goal scorer in the history of men’s international football, with 123 goals from 201 appearances for his country.
Read more on CR7...
Luxembourg usually offer a real opportunity for Ronaldo, who has scored more goals against the Grand Duchy than against any other international side. He has scored 11 goals in 11 games against Luxembourg, but will not get the opportunity to extend that record on Monday.
His next chance to extend his incredible international tally will come on 13 October when Portugal host Slovakia.