BREAKING: The night Cristiano Ronaldo chose to ‘set the football world ablaze’

After Cristiano Ronaldo had gone level with Iran’s Ali Daei on 109 international goals when he got a brace against France in Portugal’s Euro 2020 group-stage in July, there was obviously one thing in the mind of the 36-year-old five-time Ballon d’Or winner, namely surpassing it.

Many would have thought that the occasion for the Real Madrid record all-time goal scorer to achieve the feat was over when the Portuguese had his glorious opportunity halted with his penalty saved by Gavin Bazunu in their World Cup qualifying clash against the Republic of Ireland at the Estadio Algarve on Wednesday night.

Jeff Hendrick was adjudged to have fouled Bruno Fernandes inside the area as early as in the 11th minute after a long VAR check, thus presenting Ronaldo a perfect moment to make history. Sadly, it was not meant to be as Bazunu denied the Manchester United forward such perfect moment with his spot kick saved.

But when many had thought that both teams would be heading into the break with a goalless scoreline, Irish Egan had other ideas when he nodded home a dangerous corner from Jamie McGrath to give the visitors the lead on the stroke of half-time.

The visitors kept Portugal at bay right up until the final few minutes and Bazunu again came to the rescue with a superb stop to deny a powerful free-kick from an increasingly frustrated Ronaldo.

However, Ronaldo, so often the man for the big occasion, produced two pieces of magic in the 89th and 96th minutes to cap off a memorable week in the wake of his sensational return to Manchester United.

First, Ronaldo towered over Ireland’s tiring defenders to head Goncalo Guedes’ cross past Bazunu before leaping highest once again to repeat the feat in the sixth minute of stoppage time, sending the home crowd into raptures.

Speaking ahead of the match, Guedes said Portugal’s players would be doing ‘everything possible’ to help Ronaldo achieve the astonishing feat.

‘Cristiano is a player who inspires a lot of people,’ the Portugal and Valencia winger told reporters.

‘His presence in the national team is essential and it’s a great pride and privilege to share the dressing room with him.

‘You can only enjoy playing in the same team and we’ll do everything possible to help him beat the world record.’

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