Cristiano Ronaldo has set another record in football as he has become the highest goalscorer in international football. The Portuguese ace scored twice against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday, taking his tally to 111 goals – two more than Iran’s Ali Daei, who held the record for a long time.
Ronaldo’s Portugal side played Ireland in a World Cup qualifying game on Wednesday and the new Manchester United forward’s late goal helped the Euro 2016 champions edge past the Irish 2-1.
The 36-year-old was elated with breaking the record, as well as helping his side to a vital win, which keeps them in a good position in the group.
“I’m so happy, not only because I beat the record, but for the special moments that we had. Two goals at the end of the game, it was so tough, but I have to appreciate what the team did. We believed until the end, the supporters too. I’m so glad,” said Ronaldo after the game.
The veteran forward could have scored a hat-trick in the game as he missed a penalty in the first half of the game. Ireland took the lead at half-time, but a late surge from the Portuguese resulted in two goals in the final six minutes of the game.
Ronaldo, who made his debut for the Portuguese national team in 2003, has made a whopping 180 appearances for his country. He could very well surpass Malaysia’s Soh Chin Ann record of most international appearances (195) in the near future, and could become the first player to make 200 international appearances.
His long-time rival Lionel Messi has made 151 appearances for Argentina and has scored 76 goals.
Portugal is sitting comfortably at the top of Group A for the 2022 World Cup with 10 points from 4 games. Portugal will play two more international friendlies in the following week, first against next year’s World Cup hosts Qatar in a friendly, followed by another World Cup qualifying match, against Azerbaijan.
But Ronaldo will not feature in that game as he is suspended after receiving a yellow card in the win against Ireland for celebrating by removing his shirt.
This could be good news for Manchester United, who could have him earlier than expected and help him get ready for his return to the club. The Red Devils face Newcastle United after the international break, a game where Ronaldo is expected to make his second debut for the club.
