The Portuguese scored his 110th and 111th goals and surpassed Ali Daei to become history’s leading international goalscorer.
Earlier this summer, Ronaldo netted his 14th goal at the European Championship and became the leading goalscorer in the history of the competition. The forward scored twice against Hungary, twice against France, and once against Germany, and was crowned the tournament’s leading scorer.
On Wednesday, Ireland became the 45th national team to be scored upon by Ronaldo. The 36-year-old scored twice – first in the 89th minute and then in the 96th – to turn around a deficit and register an important win in Portugal’s World Cup qualification campaign. The Manchester United man could have had a hattrick in the game, had he not missed an earlier penalty.
Portugal were frustrated for much of the game by Ireland, who, despite conceding a penalty and losing central defender Darren O’Shea to injury, went into the break a goal up. Sheffield United’s John Egan gave Ireland the lead just before the interval with a superb flick from a corner. Prior to the goal, Diogo Jota had hit the bar for Portugal from close range, while Ronaldo had had his penalty saved by youngster Gavin Bazunu.
Fernando Santos’ men attempted to hit back after the break, but their efforts were in vain initially. Bruno Fernandes tried his luck from distance, but was unable to bend his shot enough to curl inside the post.
Striker Andre Silva then missed a great opportunity to level the scoreline, as he shot wildly over the bar from close range and with time to compose himself.
Fortunately for Portugal, Ronaldo headed two late goals past Bazunu to overturn the deficit and become the highest international goalscorer in history.
