CRISTIANO RONALDO scored his 99th international goal as reigning champion Portugal secured its place at the Euro 2020 finals Sunday with a 2-0 victory away to Luxembourg.

Bruno Fernandes struck the opening goal on 39 minutes before Ronaldo tapped in a scrappy second late on to clinch second place in Group B behind winner Ukraine, which drew 2-2 in Serbia.

Iranian striker Ali Daei holds the world record with 109 international goals scored between 1993 and 2006.

“All records must be broken and I will beat that record,” said Ronaldo.

Portugal became the 17th nation to qualify for next year’s multi-host tournament, which kicks off in Rome on June 12, joining the likes of world champion France, Spain, Italy and England.

“We can’t give the match high marks for style,” said Portugal coach Fernando Santos, who admitted the heavy pitch made life challenging for his team.

“I’m very happy for my players because the qualifying campaign has been more difficult than we expected.”

“We’re through to the finals of a major tournament for an 11th straight time. You’ve got to believe in these players.”

Portugal players knew they would book their place at Euro 2020 with a win or by matching Serbia’s result from their game in Belgrade.

But they were made to work hard by a Luxembourg team ranked 96th in the world that notably held France to a 0-0 draw in 2018 World Cup qualifying.

Sporting Lisbon midfielder Fernandes broke the deadlock before half-time, controlling Bernardo Silva’s pinpoint pass expertly before lashing in from 20 meters.

Ronaldo, who smacked in a hat trick in Thursday’s 6-0 thrashing of Lithuania, moved to the brink of his international century four minutes from time. Silva’s far-post cross was forced towards goal by Diogo Jota, with Luxembourg goalkeeper Anthony Moris getting a hand to the ball before Ronaldo turned in from the goalline.

Although he was happy with the result, the 34-year-old was scathing of the surface at the Stade Josy Barthel. “It is always important and a proud occasion to represent the national team, and scoring goals that helped us qualify,” he said after the game.

“We had two games we had to win. I am very happy that we won, and qualified for my fifth European Championships.

“It’s difficult to play on these types of fields, a potato field. I don’t know how it’s possible for teams at this level to play on fields of this quality.

“The performance wasn’t beautiful, but we did our job. It was the pitch we had to play, and we won 2-0, which was our priority.”

Meanwhile, England’s UEFA Euro 2020 qualification campaign wrapped up Sunday with a  4-0 victory away to Kosovo.

(SD-Agencies)