Cristiano Ronaldo has become the second leading international goalscorer of all time after finding the back of the net against Morocco in the FIFA World Cup 2018.
The Portugal superstar netted inside the opening five minutes of his side’s World Cup clash on Wednesday.
Ronaldo has now scored more international goals than any other European player in the history. He has now 85 goals in his tally. And, he is now only behind Iran legend Ali Daei (109 goals) in the all-time rankings.
The Real Madrid star followed up his stunning hat-trick against Spain on matchday one by breaking the European record. The former Sporting CP and Manchester United ace moved ahead of Hungary icon Ferenc Puskas (84 goals).
He has also become the first Portugal player since Jose Torres in 1966 to score a goal with his right foot, left foot and head in a single World Cup tournament. Ronaldo had previously struggled at the World Cups. But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has flown out of the blocks in the 2018 edition so far.
He currently leads the way in the race for the 2018 World Cup Golden Boot. He has now four goals in just two matches. Ronaldo scored his first international goal for Portugal all the way back in 2004 in a 2-1 defeat against Greece.
Ronaldo, after getting his 2nd man of the match award in a row said,
“The most important thing was to win the match and get the three points. I was able to score the goal, so I am very happy.”
Portugal boss Fernando Santos hailed Ronaldo’s sustained success,
“Cristiano is like port wine. He knows how to refine his capacity and age well. He is a constantly evolving, contrary to regular players.”
Portugal’s final match in Group B is against Iran at Mordovia Arena in Saransk on Monday. While Morocco, who are already out of the tournament will be up against Spain.
