2022 Qualifiers: Ronaldo breaks world record, scores brace in Portugal win
Cristiano Ronaldo claimed a scoring world record on Wednesday when his late brace, after missing an early penalty kick, gave him a tally of 111 international goals.
The brace lifted Portugal 2-1 over Ireland in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Faro.
The 36-year-old Ronaldo broke a tie on 109 goals with Iran’s Ali Daei with an 89th-minute header into the bottom right corner for the equaliser.
He then also nodded in the winner six minutes into stoppage time.
Success came after Ronaldo wasted a first big opportunity when goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu saved his 15th-minute penalty kick.
Ireland led from John Egan on the stroke of half-time, but Ronaldo’s brace then put Portugal top of their qualifying group with 10 points.
They are now three points clear of Serbia, who were not playing on the night.
Ireland suffered a third defeat in as many games and are on zero points alongside Azerbaijan, which lost 2-1 in Luxembourg.
Only the group winners advance directly to the 2022 finals in Qatar.
“I’m so happy, not just because I beat the record, but for the special moment that we had. Two goals at the end of the game is so tough. I have to appreciate what the team did. We believed until the end. I’m so glad,” Ronaldo said.
Looking back at the penalty kick, he added, “It’s part of the game, part of the business. Sometimes you score, sometimes you make a mistake.”
Ronaldo, whose transfer from Juventus to his former club Manchester United was completed on Tuesday, was playing in his 180th international.
Daei had scored 109 goals in 149 appearances between 1993 and 2006.
Ronaldo tied with Daei at the recent Euro 2020 tournament, thanks to a brace against France. He did not score again there as Portugal went out 1-0 in the next game against Belgium.
He became the first man to score at five Euros at the tournament, the all-time event top scorer with 11 goals, and Euro 2020 top marksman with five goals.
He scored his first Portugal goal at Euro 2004 in a 2-1 defeat against Greece.
Ronaldo is also the UEFA Champions League top scorer with 134 goals.
(dpa/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Adamawa ADC governorship candidate pledges agricultural reform, improved security
He described Adamawa as an agrarian state with immense potential for economic growth and food security.
Lagos
Lagos lawmaker empowers 60 Apapa residents with fish farming equipment
Mr Adedayo said the initiative was designed to create sustainable livelihoods, enhance food security and improve residents’ economic well-being.
Health
Health experts urge pet vaccination as rabies outbreak claims two lives in FCT
The experts said rabies is entirely preventable through routine animal vaccination and prompt medical treatment after exposure.
States
Police nab suspected armed robber in Oyo, recover stolen motorcycle
The suspect, identified as Shafiu Nuhu, allegedly attacked a commercial motorcyclist with a hammer before fleeing with the victim’s motorcycle.
Economy
Group seeks consumer representation in electricity act committee
“The committee members were drawn from the electricity supply and demand industry, while consumers, who are the key stakeholders on the demand side, were clearly excluded,” he said.
Heading 1
Two U.S. soldiers killed, four injured in Iran attack on Jordan
Two American soldiers were killed as U.S. and allied forces intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles and drones during an attack.
