Ronaldo matches 1 record, breaks another with brace against France
Sports Desk, Jun 23 (EFE).- Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema accounted for all of the goals in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw that saw both teams advance to the last 16 at Euro 2020.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner converted two penalties to overtake German great Miroslav Klose as the top European scorer in major tournaments with 21 goals
The 36-year-old Portuguese striker also equaled Iran’s Ali Daei, who retired in 2007, with 109 career international goals, the most in men’s soccer.
Ronaldo put Portugal ahead in the 30th minute after the referee awarded a penalty for an encounter in the box between Danilo and France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. The 2018 World Cup champions drew level in first half stoppage time with Benzema scoring from the spot off a harsh penalty charged to Kylian Mbappe.
Benzema made it 2-1 in the 47th minute with an assist from Paul Pogba, only to see Ronaldo equalize from the penalty spot right before the hour mark.
France are through to the knockout stage as Group F winners, while defending European champions Portugal qualify as one of the four best third-place sides. EFE agg-ll/dr
