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MARSEILLE. — Cristiano Ronaldo took his “dream” of an international soccer title another step closer when Portugal beat Poland in a penalty shootout to reach the European Championship semi-finals on Thursday night.

Robert Lewandowski scored barely 100 seconds into the latest night of Euro 2016 drama before Portugal unleashed the player who many say could lead the country’s post-Ronaldo era.

Making his first start at Euro 2016, Renato Sanches, a powerful 18-year-old and already a 35 million euro player, smashed home a 25-metre drive to equalise the match that went into extra time and then penalties.

Sanches followed Ronaldo in hitting home his spot kick as Portugal won 5-3, having again failed to win a game in the allotted 90 minutes. That did not prevent relieved Portuguese celebrations.

Ronaldo said it had been an “unforgettable” night as Portugal had reached their target of a semi-final place. “Everyone should be congratulated.”

But the Real Madrid star acknowledged again that the prize he really cherishes is a world or European title. And at 31, he knows time is running out.

“The dream is getting closer and anything can happen now. I’m not missing anything (in honours) and even if my career finished today I would still feel privileged,” said the Real Madrid star.

“But I’ve always said, and I don’t hide it, that I would love to win a title with the national team. We’re on the right road.”

Poland started strongly, with Robert Lewandowski scoring his first goal of Euro 2016 before the stadium had settled.

Kamil Grosicki hurried past Southampton right-back Cedric Soares to deliver a great cross for Lewandowski to drive past a flailing Rui Patricio as Poland made a flying start.

It was the Polish striker’s first goal of the competition, after hitting a record 13 in qualifying.

Sanches, his new teammate at Bayern Munich, came to Portugal’s rescue.

German referee Felix Brych waved away Ronaldo’s claims for a penalty on 31 minutes despite replays suggesting the Real Madrid star was bundled over by centre-back Michal Pazdan as he went to meet a cross.

Two minutes later, Sanches collected Nani’s cutback from the right side of the area and hit a fierce shot that deflected off Grzegorz Krychowiak and beat Lukasz Fabianski at his near post. — AFP.