The Portuguese first scored the 1-1 against Hungary in Lisbon on Tuesday evening. It was his fortieth goal in a World Cup qualifying series, making 40-year-old Ronaldo the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifying matches. The veteran also scored the 2-1 just before half time.
With his goals, Ronaldo surpassed Carlos Ruiz’s record. The striker from Guatemala has scored 39 goals in all the World Cup qualifiers he has played in his career.
Hungary took the lead within ten minutes. Attila Szalai headed in the 0-1 from a corner kick, but it was Ronaldo who leveled the Portuguese with his historic goal after more than 20 minutes: 1-1. Just before the half-time signal, Ronaldo also gave the Portuguese the lead.
With just under 20 minutes on the clock, Hungary had an excellent chance to spoil Ronaldo’s party. Portugal got away well after a header ended up on the right side of the goal line via the underside of the crossbar.
Cristiano Ronaldo (40) first football billionaire ever: 1.2 billion euros!
Late equalizer
Portugal still had to concede the equalizer in extra time. Dominik Szoboszlai signed for the 2-2. A dampener on the celebration, because Portugal has not yet secured a World Cup ticket due to the draw.
‘It will be painful to watch Cristiano Ronaldo’
Ireland won 1-0 against Armenia in the same group. Portugal now has 10 points, Hungary 5 and Ireland 4.
| Position | Team | P | GS | W | V | G | DS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | +5 | |
| 2 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | +3 | |
| 3 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | +1 | |
| 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | -9 |