Cristiano Ronaldo scores brace against Ireland in WC Qualifiers, becomes all time highest goal scorer in International football

Cristiano Ronaldo is now the leading goal scorer in International football. Image Source: Twitter

Xtra Time Web Desk: Cristiano Ronaldo on Wednesday became the all time leading goal scorer in International football. Ronaldo scored a brace for Portugal’s 2-1 win over Ireland in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers last night. It was his 110th goal in 180 matches for his country, going past Iranian striker Ali Daei.

Ronaldo scored the first goal in the 89th minute. Six minutes into stoppage time, he scored the winner to break Irish hearts after defender John Egan gave his nation the lead in the 45th.

“I’m very happy, not only because I beat the record but for the special moments that we had,” Ronaldo said. “Two goals at the end of the game is so tough, but I have to appreciate what the team did. We believed until the end.”

Ronaldo, who has returned to join Manchester United, is still 76 goals behind the game’s most prolific international scorer. Christine Sinclair, who is 38 years old, scored her 187th goal for Canada last month at the Tokyo Olympics.

The Portugese talisman missed a spot kick in the 15th-minute as his shot was well saved by goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who was just 2 years old when Ronaldo scored his first for Portugal as a skinny winger at the 2004 European Championship.