By Abdulsalam Adigun,
The veteran forward scored twice during Portugal’s 2-2 draw against Hungary in Lisbon, a result which sees Ronaldo and co on the verge of a spot in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
He made history during the match as Ronaldo is now the outright leading scorer in World Cup qualifying history with 41 goals in 50 appearances.
He had been tied with former Guatemala striker Carlos Ruiz on 39 prior to his latest international brace.
It also extends his lead over Lionel Messi, who has 36 goals in 72 qualifying appearances.
The 40-year-old now has 143 goals in 225 caps for Portugal, dating back to his debut aged 18 back in 2003. Meanwhile, he grabbed his first World Cup qualifying goal the following year in a 2-0 win over Latvia.
His latest strikes came after Portugal had fallen behind at home to Hungary at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
However, Ronaldo cancelled out Attila Szalai’s opener in the 22nd minute before putting the hosts in front in first half stoppage-time.
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Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai equalised in stoppage-time to ensure the spoils were shared.
A win would’ve seen Roberto Martinez’s men confirm their place at the World Cup but they’ll be required to finish the job during the November international break instead.
Portugal are five points clear of Hungary and Armenia at the top of their group with just two matches remaining, meaning a win over either the Republic of Ireland away or Armenia at home will guarantee their place at next summer’s extravaganza.
It will be Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup finals, having first appeared back in 2006
Portugal are five points clear of Hungary and Armenia at the top of their group with just two matches remaining, meaning a win over either the Republic of Ireland away or Armenia at home will guarantee their place at next summer’s extravaganza.
It will be Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup finals, having first appeared back in 2006
Both Ronaldo and Messi will have the chance to become the first players to appear at six different World Cups.
The pair, who have won a combined 13 Ballons d’Or between them, will be 41 and 39, respectively, by the end of the tournament.
