Cristiano Ronaldo Makes History, Breaks world Cup Qualifying Goal Record
LISBON, Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo continued to redefine footballing excellence on Tuesday, etching his name further into the history books by becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. The Portuguese captain netted a brace in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Hungary, surpassing the previous record held by Carlos “Pescadito” Ruiz of Guatemala.
Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, calmly slotting the ball home from close range to reach a landmark 40 goals in World Cup qualifying campaigns. This goal moved him ahead of Ruiz, a former star for the guatemalan national team, and into the record books.
The Al Nassr striker wasn’t finished there. He doubled his tally and extended his record to an astounding 41 goals in 50 World Cup qualifying appearances with a goal in first-half stoppage time. This latest achievement adds to Ronaldo’s already impressive collection of records, bringing his total to a remarkable 143 goals in men’s international matches – a testament to his longevity and consistent performance on the global stage.
Despite Ronaldo’s heroics, Portugal couldn’t secure immediate qualification for the World Cup. Leading 2-1 after Ronaldo’s departure in the 78th minute, a late equalizer from Hungary’s Dominik Szoboszlai in stoppage time denied them the victory needed to confirm their place in the tournament.
However, Portugal remains in a commanding position in Group F, holding a five-point lead over Hungary.They are now poised to clinch their World Cup berth in mid-November, needing only a favorable result in their remaining fixtures. The draw, while not the desired outcome, doesn’t considerably diminish Ronaldo’s historic achievement and Portugal’s strong qualifying campaign.
Evergreen Context: Ronaldo’s record-breaking performance underscores his enduring impact on the sport. At 38 years old, he continues to defy expectations and set new benchmarks for goalscoring prowess, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level, even while playing club football in Saudi Arabia, is a testament to his dedication and physical conditioning.
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