Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo wrote a piece of football history on Wednesday, shooting Portugal with a late brace to beat Ireland 2-1.
For the newcomer from Manchester United, however, the game in Faro was a wave pool of emotions. In the 15th minute, the 36-year-old had given the Portuguese lead and failed from the penalty spot on Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.
After the opening goal of the guests by John Egan (45th), Ronaldo then triumphed late, shot the Portuguese with a brace (89th, 96th) to 2-1 success. And in first place in qualification group A.
It was the international goals 110 and 111 in the Portuguese team dress, so Ronaldo is the sole record scorer, leaving Iranian Ali Daei (109) behind.
But this late double pack might not have come about in the first place. Because the 36-year-old was violent. When Ronaldo hung up the ball for the penalty kick, Dara O'Shea had spitzelt the ball away. Too much for Manchester United's star entry. Ronaldo, furiously, hit the Irishman and hit him on the upper arm. A clear assault that the video referee should have checked.
But that did not intervene. Possibly because O'Shea theatrically dropped to the floor, holding her face. Although the Irishman hadn't been met there.
