Paris:
Cristiano Ronaldo became the all-time best scorer in men’s international football with two late targets as Portugal beat the Republic of Ireland 2-1, even though holders France drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2022 World Cup qualifying on Wednesday.
A day soon after finishing his return to Manchester United, Ronaldo had an early penalty saved by teenage goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu in Faro prior to Ireland took the lead on the stroke of half-time.
John Egan’s glancing header place Stephen Kenny’s side on course for a well-known win, but Ronaldo broke Irish hearts with an 89th-minute equaliser — a target that took him previous the Iranian Ali Daei’s record of 109.
The 36-year-old Ronaldo then snatched all 3 points for Portugal in the sixth minute of injury time, increasing highest to energy in a header from Joao Mario’s proper-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 tv.
The 5-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,” mentioned Ronaldo.
“Scoring goals, putting on a show and winning titles, that’s what I like the most.”
Portugal sit best of Group A with 10 points from 4 matches, though Serbia are only 3 points behind with a game in hand.
The group winners qualify automatically for next year’s finals in Qatar, with the runners-up heading into the play-offs.
France, playing for the initial time due to the fact losing to Switzerland in the last 16 at Euro 2020, fell behind in Strasbourg when Edin Dzeko rifled in a low drive from 20 yards.
Kounde red card
Antoine Griezmann equalised when Dzeko’s header at a corner struck the France forward and bounced just more than the line, but the hosts saw Jules Kounde sent off for a reckless tackle early in the second half.
France hold a 4-point lead at the best of Group D above Ukraine, who conceded a last-gasp target in a 2-2 draw away to Kazakhstan. Finland are six points adrift but have two games in hand.
“Qualifying stages are difficult,” mentioned France coach Didier Deschamps, whose side go to Kiev next to face Ukraine.
“We have to be satisfied with a draw given what happened. We have one point more, there are still lots more available and the match on Saturday is coming very quickly.”
Erling Haaland scored his initial World Cup qualifying target in Norway’s 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in Oslo.
Haaland’s scrappy finish gave Norway the lead on 20 minutes, but Davy Klaassen levelled prior to the break as Louis van Gaal started his third stint in charge of the Dutch national group.
One point separates the major 4 teams in Group G, with Turkey best regardless of blowing a two-target lead in a 2-2 draw at home to Montenegro.
Croatia, the 2018 World Cup runners-up, drew – away to Russia and stay above their opponents on target distinction as leaders of Group H. Slovakia are a point behind soon after a 1-1 draw with Slovenia.
Daniel Wass and Joakim Maehle scored two speedy-fire targets as Euro 2020 semi-finalists Denmark swept Scotland aside 2- to make it 4 wins from 4 in Group F.
Israel are their nearest challengers soon after Eran Zahavi bagged a hat-trick in a 4- victory in the Faroe Islands. Austria are level on points following their 2- win in Moldova.
()