RONALDO’S 980TH GOAL DENIED BY VAR AS PORTUGAL SURVIVE WALES
Cristiano Ronaldo thought he had finally moved another step closer to his historic 1,000-goal target.
Instead, VAR turned his celebration into frustration.
Portugal defeated Wales 1-0 in their Nations League opener, but Ronaldo endured a difficult night in Lisbon.
The 41-year-old had several opportunities before eventually appearing to score Portugal’s second goal.
Ronaldo raced onto a Bruno Fernandes pass, found the far corner and immediately launched into his famous “Siuuu” celebration.
The moment looked like another piece of history.
It was not.
A VAR review showed Ronaldo had strayed offside, ruling out what would have been his 980th career goal.
The Al Nassr forward also missed a golden opportunity from close range earlier in the second half and was substituted in the 67th minute.
Portugal still secured victory thanks to a long-range João Félix strike, but Ronaldo left the pitch without adding to his remarkable international tally.
He remains on 979 career goals and 146 for Portugal.
The disappointment will not last long.
Portugal’s next Nations League fixture is against Norway on Sunday, meaning Ronaldo could face Haaland in a mouthwatering clash between two of football’s biggest goalscorers.
Ronaldo will have another opportunity to continue his pursuit of 1,000.
But after VAR denied him on Thursday night, the countdown remains stuck at 979.