Picture Credit: Twitter
Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo completed yet another hat-trick as Portugal registered a dominant 5-0 win over Luxembourg in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group A encounter. The Manchester United forward converted two penalties inside the opening 13 minutes before he netted the third goal in the second half to complete the record 58th time in his career that he got to a hat-trick. He reached there with a great header.
In addition, Bruno Fernandes and Palhinha also found the back of the net as Portugal took three points and are now just a point behind Serbia, who they will host in the final round of matches of the World Cup qualifiers. The result also implies that the match between Portugal and Serbia could be a straight fight to decide the group leaders after Serbia beat Azerbaijan 3-1 in Belgrade.
Talking about Ronaldo's hat-trick, this was his 10th international treble which happens to be the most scored by any player in international football. The three goals have taken his international goal-scoring tally to 115 goals in 182 appearances.
Not too long, the former Real Madrid striker had created history when he shattered the all-time international goal-scoring record of Iran legend Ali Daei.
Here is the header from Ronaldo which completed his hat-trick:
While Ronaldo did not manage to lift the Serie A this year, at an individual level, it hasn't been that bad for the 36-year-old. He not only bagged the Serie A Golden Boot, 2020 Euro Golden boot but also managed to be the all-time top scorer in European Championships as well as in international football.
Talking specifically about the 2021-22 season, it has personally started on a great note for the Portugal talisman as he has already netted 10 goals in a total of 9 appearances for club and country. Next in his sight would perhaps be the 800-goal mark from which he is not far away, having already netted 794 goals across his football career.
However, his club Manchester United is in a spot of bother having already dropped 7 points in 7 matches. The Red Devils are currently at the 4th position with 14 points but would have nothing but the Premier League title on their minds, along with the Champions League to start a new chapter in their European domination.