Ronaldo claims world record with late show against Ireland

TIL Desk Sports/ When Manchester City loanee Gavin Bazunu saved Cristiano Ronaldo’s first-half penalty in Wednesday’s World Cup Group A UEFA qualifier to deny the Manchester United forward a record 110th international goal for Portugal, the headlines wrote themselves.

Ireland looked to be holding on for a famous World Cup qualifying victory in Portugal, but, as he so often does, the 36-year-old Ronaldo had the last word with two late goals to break Irish hearts – and the world record – as Portugal won 2-1 . “I’m so happy, not only for the record but for the special moments with two goals at the end,” Ronaldo said.

“It was so tough, but we have to appreciate what the team did, they and the fans believed until the end of the game.” It had been a frustrating night for Ronaldo and his compatriots as Ireland defended resolutely after taking the lead and largely restricted the hosts to pot-shots from distance. In the 89th minute, Ronaldo lined up a free kick on the edge of the box but the 19-year-old Bazunu again repelled his effort. Ronaldo, however, simply refused to be denied.