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PARIS − Cristiano Ronaldo became the all-time top scorer in men's international football with two late goals as Portugal beat the Republic of Ireland 2-1, while holders France drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina yesterday.
After overtaking Iran's Ali Daei as the top men's career international goal scorer, the Portuguese superstar added his 111th international goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time, leading his side to a comeback win.
A day after completing his return to Manchester United, Cristiano had an early penalty saved by teenage goalkeeper, Gavin Bazunu, in Faro before Ireland took the lead on the stroke of half-time.
John Egan's glancing header put Stephen Kenny's side on course for a famous win, but Cristiano broke Irish hearts with an 89th-minute equaliser − a goal that took him past the Iranian Ali Daei's record of 109.
The 36-year-old footballer then snatched all three points for Portugal in the sixth minute of injury time, rising highest to power in a header from Joao Mario's right-wing cross.
"This record is mine and it is unique. I'm extremely happy and it's another one for my career," Ronaldo told RTP public television.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner also equalled Sergio Ramos's European mark of 180 caps.
"(The motivation comes from) the desire I have to continue playing football, also from this last contract I signed (at Manchester United), in which I was happy to return home," said Cristiano.
"Scoring goals, putting on a show and winning titles, that's what I like the most."
If we get up every day with the ambition to motivate and do better, to make the fans and our children happy, that is essential,” added Cristiano.
Cristiano drew level with Daei's mark of 109 earlier this year at Euro 2020 with a two-goal performance against France in the group stage.
Cristiano also made Euro history when he scored twice in Portugal's opening group-stage game against Hungary to become the tournament's all-time leading scorer with 11 goals.
Apart from becoming the first man to appear at five Euros, second overall only to Italy's Carolina Morace, who has appeared at six tournaments, Cristiano is the only man to score in five Euros, extending his own record.
The career international scoring record is held by Canada's Christine Sinclair, who has 186 goals.
Cristiano’s record puts him eighth on the top-scorers list behind Abby Wambach, Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, Birgit Prinz, Carli Lloyd, Julie Fleeting and Sinclair. – Agencies, September 2, 2021
