Cristiano Ronaldo turned 39 half a year ago, and Luka Modrić will do the same tomorrow. Not only are they far from retirement, but they remain indomitable football legends, still wearing the captain’s armbands and carrying their national teams on their shoulders. Thanks to the goals of these former Ballon d’Or winners and former teammates at Real Madrid, Croatia and Portugal secured narrow victories in the Nations League, continuing their races for first place.RONALDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOLAZOOOOO BY THE GOAT901 CAREER GOALS FOR THE GREAT CRISTIANO RONALDO 🤯🐐#GOAT #Ronaldo #CristianoRonaldo pic.twitter.com/WUfQifBSUT— Cristiano Ronaldo!!Fan Club (@MessiLionelKing) September 8, 2024 Modrić’s brilliance decided the match against Poland in Osijek (1-0), while Ronaldo’s goal turned the game around and secured a win for Portugal against Scotland in Lisbon (2-1). Just three days after their head-to-head clash in Lisbon, in which Ronaldo’s close-range goal decided the game for Portugal against Croatia, fans of the two mentioned rivals deeply bowed to the legendary captains and wished to see them play forever. The Scots were on the verge of a sensation in Lisbon, but once again, their hearts were broken in the end. Just three days ago, Scotland suffered an undeserved 3-2 defeat to Poland, with the decisive goal coming from a penalty in the 97th minute. Tonight, they were dealt another blow by the timeless Cristiano Ronaldo in the 88th minute. 2⃣2⃣ goal contributions across his last 18 games for Portugal. Bruno Fernandes 👏 pic.twitter.com/vbTFRvkYbV— Everything About Football⚽ (@JoshCla17226805) September 8, 2024 Portuguese coach Roberto Martinez tried to play without Cristiano Ronaldo, opting for a similar lineup to the one used against Croatia three days earlier, but he ran into trouble. Jota replaced Ronaldo in the starting eleven, while Semedo started instead of Dalot, but the two substitutes eventually came off the bench to secure the win. Once again, young stars like Neto, Palhinha, and Jota underperformed. Right from the start, the Scots signaled an upset. And once again, it was Scott McTominay, who had also scored against Poland three days earlier. He looked powerful, versatile, and a true leader for his national team—a testament to why Antonio Conte was so eager to bring him to Napoli. McTominay made a fantastic run from deep, slipping behind Dias and heading the ball into the net. It was his 10th goal in his last 17 appearances for Scotland!WHAT A GOAL BY LUKA MODRIĆ💥 OH MY GOD 😍 pic.twitter.com/L6EwtXcv8W— Lukita Football (@LukitaFootball) September 8, 2024 The only standout performer for the home side was Rafael Leão. He tried everything, but couldn’t equalize. First, his brilliant shot was saved by Gunn, and then, just before halftime, the post denied him. He also set up two good chances for Lima and Jota, and Nuno Mendes hit the frame of the goal as well. By halftime, Martinez had to make changes, bringing Ronaldo on. The effects were immediately apparent. Leão’s pass back found Bruno Fernandes, who struck from 20 meters, with a bit of help from goalkeeper Gunn, to level the score at 1-1. A fierce Portuguese offensive followed. Ronaldo set up Felix with a backheel pass, hit the post himself, and then, in the 88th minute, replicated his recent goal against Croatia. He drifted between two center-backs to meet a cross from the left wing inside the six-yard box and showed no mercy. His incredible sense of space and goal-scoring ability shone through again.##NAJAVA_MECA_8322977##
