Ronaldo Becomes the First Man to Score at 5 World Cups
Cristiano Ronaldo made history on Thursday as the first male player to score in five World Cups in Portugal’s opening game in Qatar against Ghana, which ended 3-2 in favour of Portugal.
As reported by ESPN, the Portugal captain scored in the 65th minute from the penalty spot — the 118th goal for his country — to open the scoring at Doha’s Stadium 974. Portugal went on to win 3-2 as goals from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao helped them weather two late efforts from Ghana.
Ronaldo, 37, is the most prolific goal scorer in men’s international football and has made a record 18 appearances for Portugal at a World Cup.
“It’s a beautiful moment, in my fifth World Cup. We won, we started off on the right foot, a very important victory,” Ronaldo said of the milestone. “We know that in these competitions winning the first game is crucial. Another record too, the only player to score in five consecutive World Cups, that for me it is a reason of great pride.
“I am very happy for the team to have given an excellent performance. Difficult, but fair win.
“The important thing was that the team won. The [Manchester United] chapter is closed, and the focus is solely and exclusively on the World Cup. As I said, we wanted to start off on the right foot. We won, we played well, I helped the team. Everything else is not important. The important thing is the national team.”
His latest landmark comes after he left Manchester United by “mutual agreement” earlier this week following an explosive TV interview in which he criticised the club and coach Erik ten Hag.
