A beaming Cristiano Ronaldo said he was ‘very happy’ for himself and for Portugal after scoring a stunning late double in the side’s 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland to become the top goalscorer in the history of international football.
Ronaldo endured nightmare start to Wednesday’s thrilling World Cup qualifier as he had an early penalty saved by teenage goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu before John Egan headed the visitors in front on the stroke of half-time.
However, Ronaldo, so often the man for the big occasion, left it late with a pair of towering headers in the 89th and 96th minutes to seal all three points for Portugal to send the Estadio Algarve crowd into raptures, capping off a memorable week in the wake of his return to Manchester United.
The veteran attacker had been level with Ali Daei’s tally of 109 goals prior to kick-off and his sensational brace put him out in front of the Iranian with 111 goals from 180 games for his country.
‘I’m so happy, very happy, and not only because I beat the record but for the special moments that we had,’ he told Sky Sports shortly after the final whistle.
‘Two goals at the end of the game, so tough, but I have to appreciate what the team did tonight. We believed until the end.
‘For the supporters, I’m so glad.’
Ronaldo said he ‘still believed’ Portugal could come away from the Group A encounter with maximum points, even with Ireland holding a late lead after his missed spot-kick.
‘It’s part of the game, it’s part of the business,’ the Portuguese said when asked about his 11th penalty which was saved by
Bazunu.‘Sometimes you score, sometimes you make mistakes and that’s just part of the business.
‘But I still believed until the end of the game so I’m so glad to score and to win the game.’
Portugal’s win put them three points clear of nearest rivals Serbia, who have a game in hand and next face Luxembourg.
Ireland, meanwhile, are still yet to pick up a point after three successive defeats in the group and Stephen Kenny’s men will be desperate for a morale-boosting victory over bottom-placed Azerbaijan this weekend.
MORE : Manchester United believe Cristiano Ronaldo can help secure £68m Erling Haaland transfer next summer
from Football – Metro https://ift.tt/3Bx6RqJ
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