Ronaldo and Mbappe both score brace in Euro qualifiers as PSG star overtakes Platini
Paris Saint-Germain winger Kylian Mbappé made history with the French national team after scoring a brace in the 2-1 win over the Netherlands on Friday at Johan Cruyff Arena.
The 24-year-old’s two goals allowed him to surpass former Juventus star Michel Platini to become France’s fourth-highest all-time goalscorer. Furthermore, the Frenchman is three goals from passing current teammate Antoine Griezmann (44 goals).
Furthermore, the PSG star is 10 goals from overtaking Thierry Henry (52 goals) and 13 goals from being France’s all-time goalscorer and passing Olivier Giroud (54 goals). At his age, it will only be a matter of time until Mbappé is at the top of the list.
Didier Deschamps named a full-strength line-up as the team looked to protect their unbeaten record in Euro 2024 qualifiers, while Ronald Koeman's side knew that a win could prove essential to their hopes.
The result means that France have secured their place in Germany, while The Netherlands must win their game in hand and beat second-placed Greece on Monday night.
Elsewhere, 38-year-old
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the main man for Portugal and Roberto Martinez relied on him to secure Euro 2024 qualification on Friday night.
The Al Nassr forward started against Slovakia and went on to score twice in a 3-2 victory as Portugal's rivals refused to lay down.
His double came after Goncalo Ramos opened the scoring with a powerful header in the early stages of the game, courtesy of a Bruno Fernandes assist.
Just 10 minutes later, captain Cristiano stepped up at the penalty spot after a handball was awarded against Denis Vavro.
Ronaldo sent Martin Dubravka the wrong way and put his corner into the bottom right corner.
David Hancko would be the next man on the scoresheet as his long distance effort was aided on its way in by a deflection off Antonio Silva.
With Slovakia making life difficult, Cristiano was the matchwinner as Vavro attempted to clear but put the ball into the path of the former Real Madrid attacker.
Ronaldo didn't hesitate and finished with aplomb, extending Portugal's lead once again.
That meant that even Stanislav Lobotka's rocket from long range to produce a magnificent goal was not enough to level the scoreline.
