Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice late in the game to deny Ireland any points in the match they played in World Cup qualifiers. Ireland was leading the game 1-0 after Centre-Back John Egan scored late in the first half.
Ireland coming into this game had zero points in their qualifying campaign having lost their first two qualifying matches. Portugal on the other hand had seven points in three games, sitting level on points with Serbia at the top of Group A in the qualifying campaign.
First half
In the 10th minute, the Irish goalkeeper Bazunu made a huge mistake play at the back, as he played a loose pass towards midfielder Jeff Hendrick. The midfielder lunged to poke the ball away but took down Bruno Fernandes inside the penalty area. As a result, the midfielder was booked. After a lengthy VAR check a penalty was awarded in the 15th minute to the former European Champion.
Ronaldo took the resulting penalty. He was denied the record-breaking goal, as the Irish goalkeeper made a brilliant save.
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Before the penalty kick, as Ronaldo placed the ball on the penalty spot, Irish defender O’Shea kicked the ball away. Subsequently, a melee broke out between the two. The referee moved on from the event off without any fuss.
Portugal was again denied their lead, this time by the goal-post as Diogo Jota’s close-range header deflected off of it.
Cullen released Connolly, in the 44th minute, brilliantly with an outside of the boot pass on the left side for Ireland. Connolly’s resulting cross was put behind the goal line. Consequently, Ireland got a corner. Portugal was dominating the proceedings until this point. However, John Egan, the center-back, against all odds gave Ireland the lead. The defender managed to wriggle free of his marker and headed home his team’s goal.
Second Half
Portugal, for most of the game, relentlessly barged onto the Irish goal with waves of attacks. and deservedly got their goal in the 89th minute.
It was inevitable. Cristiano Ronaldo managed to free himself from his marker and met with Guedes cross to head home Portugal’s leveler.
Cristiano, with that goal, became outright top International men’s goal scorer of all time. Subsequently, With the score level at 1-1, he was not done with the match yet. Ronaldo met Joao Mario’s delicious cross with his head again, to give Portugal the win in the stoppage time.
Standings
Portugal tops their group in the European World Cup qualifiers with ten points. As a result, of this win. Meanwhile, Ireland is yet to secure a point, having played three matches. As a result, they lie fourth in their group.
Portugal returns to their qualifying campaign on the 7th of September, facing Azerbaijan away from home. Meanwhile, Ireland takes on Azerbaijan on the 4th of September at home and welcomes Serbia on the 8th of September.
Record Breaker
Cristiano Ronaldo, before this game, was level with the Iranian legend Ali Daei on 109 goals. Subsequently, the Portuguese striker has broken the record with two late goals in the game. Ronaldo now has 111 international goals to his name. He is the outright top men’s international goalscorer of all time. Meanwhile, Christine Sinclair of Canada holds the record for most international goals scored by a footballer. The Canadian footballer has scored 187 times in 303 appearances for her National team.
