By Tim Parsons–
Cristiano Ronaldo became international football’s record goalscorer with a last-gasp double to snatch Portugal an unlikely victory from the Republic of Ireland’s grasp.The 36-year-old celebrated his return to Manchester United in style by almost single handedly rescuing the Portuguese with headers in the 89th minute and the sixth minute of stoppage time to make it 2-1 just as it looked as though Ireland had opened their Group A account with a famous win.
Ali Daei, who scored 109 goals for Iran between 1993 and 2006, previously held the record which Ronaldo matched with a double against France at Euro 2020.
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Surpassig Daei, the Manchester United striker has also equalled Sergio Ramos’ European record for men’s caps – with his 180th goal, and still has many more goals to score.
The world record , ratified by Fifa this summer is the 195 Malaysia caps won by Soh Chin Ann between 1969 and 1984.
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Ronaldo and Daei are the only two players to score 90 or more international goals, separating them from other outstanding players t0 Rae he sport of football.
“I’m so happy, not only because I beat the record, but for the special moment that we had,” he told RTE. “Two goals at the end of the game. I have to appreciate what the team did, we believed until the end. I’m so glad.”
The feat puts Ronaldo comfortably amongst football”s historic world greats.
PThe Portuguese star player is already the top scorer in club football’s top tournament, the European Cup/Champions League, a trophy he has won five times.
The former Real Madrid forward is also the top scorer in European championship history and euros and world cup combined.
Ronaldo’s triumphant goals puts him ahead of Messi . The Portuguese”s 111 goals in 180 games iis well ahead of Messi’s 76 in 151 .
Saved Penalty
Ronaldo had earlier seen his first-half penalty saved by 19-year-old keeper Gavin Bazunu before John Egan headed the visitors into the lead seconds before the break.
Kenny had been forced by an injury to oportune Dara O’Shea wihb a senior debut to Norwich defender Andrew Om9bamidele, though he later came 8n whe he opposition had developed a rhythm in he game and were growing in confidence.
A golden opportunity to take he lead came after Aaron Connolly got in behind the Portugal defence, but his attempt was successfully defended by goalkeeper , Rui Patricio.
Just on he brink of half-time, Egan rose ahead of Ronaldo to glance Jamie McGrath’s corner across Patricio and inside the far post.
Bazunu was sent scrambling anxiously across his goal as Fernandes’ 55th-minute strike arced agonisingly wide of his far post, but the visitors were appealing in vain for a penalty four minutes later with Connolly adamant he had been barged to the ground by Joao Palhinha as he fired wide Egan’s knock-down.
Portugal turned the screw as time ran down and seemed certain to level with 16 minutes remaining when Bernardo Silva collected the ball beyond the far post and stepped inside on to his left foot only to blaze high over.
R9naldo was in the right place at he right time to scoe a second header and ensure victory in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
The Portuguese striker is no doubt competing for one of the most prestigious accolades on football history – to become football’s best ever player.
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