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Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first man to score in five World Cups

The 37-year-old set the record when he smashed home a penalty in the 65th minute at the 974 Stadium in Doha to give Portugal the lead in the Group H clash with the Black Stars.

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first man to score at five World Cups on Thursday after opening the scoring in Portugal’s World Cup clash with Ghana.

The 37-year-old set the record when he smashed home a penalty in the 65th minute at the 974 Stadium in Doha to give Portugal the lead in the Group H clash with the Black Stars.

He overtakes Pele and Germans Uwe Seeler and Miroslav Klose, who all scored in four World Cups.

Read more: Manchester United owners consider sale as Ronaldo exits

Ronaldo also extended his own world record tally of international goals to 118.

He won the spot-kick himself when he was brought down by a clumsy challenge from Mohammed Salisu.

Manchester United announced this week that Ronaldo will leave with immediate effect after he criticised the club and manager Erik ten Hag in a TV interview, but he has shown no signs of strain from the bitter end to his time at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo starts for Portugal in the opening match of what will likely be his fifth and final World Cup campaign, against Ghana on Thursday.

All-time men’s record international goalscorer Ronaldo lines up in his usual center-forward position for the Group H clash, two days after he parted ways with Manchester United by mutual consent on Tuesday.

Ronaldo, 37, had spoken in a controversial interview last week, when he lashed out at Man United coach Erik ten Hag and the club itself, provoking his eventual departure.

The veteran striker will be supported by a stellar group of players led by Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix.

Read more: Ronaldo to leave Manchester United after criticism of club

Ghana are the lowest-ranked team at the World Cup and will be relying on Inaki Williams for goals.

The forward was capped once by Spain in a friendly in 2016 but changed nationality earlier this year and leads the line for the Black Stars.

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey starts and Ghana’s hopes could hinge on his performance in midfield.