Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo nets brace to set record for most goals in World Cup qualifiers, before Hungary battle hard to secure 2-2 draw in Lisbon; England, Spain emerge victorious
Cristiano Ronaldo (third from left) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Hungary in the World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday. Pic/AFP
Another goal, another record for Cristiano Ronaldo. The 40-year-old striker became the player with most goals in World Cup qualifiers after scoring twice for Portugal in its 2-2 draw with Hungary on Tuesday.
His first goal — from close range in the 22nd minute — was Ronaldo’s 40th in a World Cup qualifying match, breaking a tie with former Guatemala player Carlos Ruiz.
The Al-Nassr striker then added a second in first-half stoppage time to extend his record to 41 goals in the 50 World Cup qualifiers he has played.
Ronaldo now has a record-extending 143 goals in men’s internationals.
Szoboszlai nets for Hungary
He left the field in the 78th minute with the score at 2-1 and Hungary equalised in stoppage time through Dominik Szoboszlai, preventing Portugal from clinching a spot in the World Cup with two group games to spare.
The result left Portugal coach Roberto Martinez lamenting the team’s inability to see off the game.
“Hungary were strong at set pieces, but we controlled the first-half. We started the second period well, but couldn’t finish the game off. In the last ten minutes, we played for the chance to qualify for the World Cup, and that changes who you are a little. We wanted to qualify, but looking ahead to the World Cup it may be important to know how to manage games like these,” said Martinez.
Portugal still leads Group F by five points ahead of second-place Hungary.
England rout Latvia 5-0
Meanwhile, in a Group K encounter, England routed Latvia 5-0, thanks to a brace for skipper Harry Kane.
The England fans also targeted Thomas Tuchel with some playful chants, five days after he accused them of being ‘silent’ in the win over Wales at Wembley Stadium.
“I take it in good humor. I found it quite creative and it made me smile,” said Tuchel. In a Group E match, Spain thrashed Bulgaria 4-0 with Mikel Merino scoring a brace.
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