Cristiano Ronaldo Sets New World Cup Qualifying Goal Record
The Live Info Media
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again cemented his status as a football legend by breaking the record for the most goals scored in World Cup qualifying. The Portuguese star achieved this feat during Portugal’s 2-2 draw with Hungary on Tuesday.
Record-Breaking Performance
The match saw Hungary take an early lead in the eighth minute through Attila Szalai. However, Ronaldo quickly responded, scoring an equalizer in the 22nd minute to tie the game. This first goal was the record-breaker, as it was his 40th goal in World Cup qualifiers, surpassing the previous record held by former Guatemala international Carlos Ruiz.
Not content with just one, Ronaldo struck again just before half-time, giving Portugal the lead and increasing his tally to 41 goals in 50 qualifying appearances. Portugal seemed set to secure their World Cup spot, but a late equalizer from Dominik Szoboszlai in the final minutes meant the match ended 2-2, and Portugal will have to wait until November to officially qualify.
Chasing 1,000 Career Goals
Ronaldo’s impressive form doesn’t stop at the qualifying record. The 40-year-old is now looking to become the first player in football history to reach 1,000 competitive career goals. His two goals against Hungary brought his total to 947 goals for club and country, leaving him just 53 goals shy of this incredible milestone.
With a career spanning over two decades and including prolific spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al-Nassr, and for the Portugal national team, reaching this four-figure target is now within sight. As the all-time leading scorer in both the Champions League and men’s international football, Ronaldo is determined to further solidify his legacy. Even his former coach, Rene Meulensteen, believes the world will be watching, suggesting that goalkeepers might even “want to let in” his 1,000th goal just to be a part of history!
What do you think is more likely: Ronaldo reaching 1,000 career goals, or Lionel Messi winning another Ballon d’Or?
