Cristiano Ronaldo sets new scoring record after netting twice for Portugal

 

 Cristiano Ronaldo is no stranger to record-breaking achievements and the Portuguese striker set yet another mark on Tuesday.

 The 40-year-old hit the back of the net twice in Portugal’s 2-2 draw against Hungary to become the top goalscorer in FIFA World Cup qualifying history.

 Before Tuesday’s match, Ronaldo had shared the previous record (39 goals) with Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz but he is now out on his own at 41.

 Ronaldo wrote on social media on Wednesday, "It is no secret that representing the National Team means a lot to me, and that is why I’m very proud to have reached this unique milestone for Portugal." “Thank you to everyone who helped me get here. See you in November to seal the qualification for the World Cup!”

 Ronaldo broke the record in the 22nd minute against Hungary when he tapped into an empty net from close range after Nelson Semedo produced a brilliant low cross.

 The five-time Ballon d’Or winner then extended his record moments before the break, turning in Nuno Mendes’ brilliant cross from close range again.

 Ronaldo now boasts 143 international goals for Portugal, extending the men’s international scoring record he broke back in 2021.

 However, Magyars midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai scored in the 91st minute to equalize after his two goals on Tuesday were insufficient to secure a victory for his nation. The Seleço is still five points ahead of Hungary in Group F of UEFA qualification with two games remaining, despite not having qualified for the World Cup in 2019. When it plays the Republic of Ireland on November 13 in Dublin, it will get another chance to stamp its ticket to the tournament. “After the second goal, we slowed down the tempo and they profited,” Portugal left back Mendes told UEFA after Tuesday’s draw.

 We tried to do what we trained for, but we failed. We must remain focused and execute tasks correctly in November. England, Ivory Coast, Senegal, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and Qatar all qualified for next year’s World Cup on Tuesday, with the tournament set to start on June 11. So far, 28 of the 48 teams have booked their ticket to North America.