Cristiano Ronaldo’s late goal against Scotland marks a stunning milestone in the 901-goal hero’s career

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By Maya Cantina

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Cristiano Ronaldo is someone who has done pretty much everything, but he made his career debut in Portugal’s victory over Scotland.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was the hero once again as his 88th-minute goal gave Portugal a 2-1 victory in the Nations League clash in Lisbon.

Ronaldo came off the bench at half-time to help Portugal secure comeback win

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Ronaldo came off the bench at half-time to help Portugal secure comeback winCredit: Getty

It was a sure goal for the man who has an impressive 901 career goals, 132 of them for the national team, as an unmarked Ronaldo finished into an empty net after receiving a powerful cross from the left.

The goal came later Ronaldo hit the post twice in quick succession as Portugal raced furiously after the winning goal.

Scotland took a surprise lead early in the first half when Ronaldo’s former Manchester United team-mate Scott McTominay headed home from close range.

Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes equalised for Portugal after his left-footed shot from 18 yards out was saved by Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn.

And Ronaldo had the final word to perhaps silence some of the skeptics about its use in the national team.

The match was significant for Al Nassr star Ronaldo as it was the first time he had scored against a Scottish opponent in his 22-year career.

The 39-year-old faced Rangers on one occasion and Celtic on three occasions in the Champions League during his first spell at Manchester United.

During the four-match spell spanning a five-year period between November 2003 and November 2008, Ronaldo failed to score a goal.

However, he solved Scotland’s problems with his late winner on Sunday night.

Ronaldo enjoyed a productive international break, scoring the decisive goal in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia on Thursday night.

Ronaldo has 901 career goals and his first against Scottish opponents

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Ronaldo has 901 career goals and his first against Scottish opponentsCredit: Getty
Napoli midfielder McTominay put Scotland ahead after seven minutes

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Napoli midfielder McTominay put Scotland ahead after seven minutesCredit: Getty
Fernandes tied the game in the 54th minute

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Fernandes tied the game in the 54th minuteCredit: Getty

But there are questions over whether Ronaldo should play such a big role in the Portugal squad as he nears the end of his career, including from talkSPORT’s Gabby Agbonlahor.

“If you watched him at the Euros, we forgot he didn’t do anything,” Agbonlahor said.

“He probably got in the way of other players being played. I think him playing so many games probably cost Portugal.

Portugal fans celebrate intensely as Cristiano Ronaldo scores his 900th career goal

“I know people are going to say this is harsh and it’s not his fault, but you know, you’ve had your time. You still have what it takes, but do you still have what it takes at the highest level?

“There’s a reason he’s playing in Saudi Arabia, there’s a reason he was released by Manchester United, there’s a reason he’s not playing in Europe.

“I just think Portugal have a lot of interesting players who were on the bench during the Euros.”

Agbonlahor continued: “Ronaldo will want to go to the World Cup, he is not just staying to play in the Nations League. The ultimate goal is to retire at the World Cup.

“But if I am [Roberto] Martinez, I’m like, ‘Ugh, it’s the Ronaldo show again.’ He’s already said that I don’t want to be a reserve player. He’s said that if he’s in the squad, he wants to be a starter. You have that problem. Is it difficult for the manager because Ronaldo is as big as Portugal?”

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