Football
ESPN staff 8y

Cristiano Ronaldo equals Michel Platini's Euros goal-scoring record

Cristiano Ronaldo equalled Michel Platini's record as the all-time European Championship top scorer after netting against Wales in Portugal's 2-0 Euro 2016 semifinals victory on Thursday.

Ronaldo's brace against Hungary in the group stages took his tally in the competition to eight but he missed the chance to level the record against Croatia in the round of 16 and Poland in the quarterfinals.

However, the forward then headed home in the 50th minute against Wales -- and Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale -- in the next round to draw him level with former France captain Platini.

"It's nice to break records but the most important thing was to reach the final, for the coaching staff and all my teammates," Ronaldo said after the match. "I have broken many records and I will continue to do so, but the important thing was we made it through to the final."

Last week, the Portugal star had become the first player to score in four different European Championship tournaments. Ronaldo has scored in the 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 editions, and also overtook Nuno Gomes as scorer of the most Euro goals in Portuguese history.

He has also played more games at the Euros than any other player, setting the record with his 17th appearance against Hungary -- the Wales semifinal is his 20th match.

Ronaldo is also the first player ever to reach three European Championship semifinals.

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