September 2 – Cristiano Ronaldo became the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football with two last-gasp goals for Portugal in a dramatic World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday.
After he missed a first-half penalty, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner broke the men’s scoring record when he equalised in the 89th minute with a towering header, taking his international tally to 110 goals and overtaking Iran’s Ali Daei.
He then added a second in the sixth minute of stoppage time as Portugal won 2-1 to break Irish hearts.
“I’m so happy, not only for the record but for the special moments with two goals at the end,” Ronaldo said.
“It was so tough, but we have to appreciate what the team did, they and the fans believed until the end of the game.”
While the 36-year-old superstar’s night was almost perfect, he was booked for taking his shirt off while celebrating the winning goal, meaning he will miss Portugal’s trip to Azerbaijan on Tuesday.
That may be good news for Manchester United as Ronaldo is expected to play the first match of his second spell at the club against Newcastle United the following Saturday.
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