Some Manchester United fans hailed Cristiano Ronaldo following his sublime brace in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Republic of Ireland on Wednesday.
Portugal were made to work hard in the World Cup qualifier. It was eventually left to Ronaldo to change the tide of the game in the dying minutes.
The 36-year-old had a disappointing opening half at the Estadio Algarve. He saw his penalty saved in the 16th minute.
Meanwhile, compatriot Diogo Jota hit the woodwork midway through the half when it seemed like a sure-fire goal.
John Egan gave Ireland a surprise lead with a glancing header before the first half interval.
It appeared that the visitors were on course for a historic win until Ronaldo’s late heroics.
The Portuguese captain put his country level with a header in the 89th minute.
With seconds left in injury time, he came up with another trademark header to kill the game.
Portugal looked down and out, but Ronaldo single-handedly changed the complexion of the qualifier.
With his first goal, Ronaldo created history by becoming the highest international scorer in men’s football.
Many United fans were keeping a close watch on him, and a few expressed their delight on Twitter.
Here are a few reactions.
How good is that man! Seriously! World class Cristiano Ronaldo!#Ronaldo#PORIRL
— Atharva Joshi (@Joshya2306) September 2, 2021
With Ronaldo and Maguire as amazing heading players and Shaw and Bruno to swing the ball in and on top of that Ramsay as set piece coach
— Patty (@MUFCPatty) September 2, 2021
We better be scoring 3 goals from set pieces every match
Almost half of Ronaldo's goals have come in the final 30 minutes of games.
— Amorim_Era 🔴 (@United_Talks_) September 2, 2021
He has netted 33 times in the final 15 minutes – including twice against the Irish – and 22 times between the 61st and 75th minute.
United DNA it is. Fergie Time finishes 🔴 #Cristiano #MUFC #CR7 pic.twitter.com/NJaXBqon71
Saw Ronaldo vs Ireland.. Every team should be worry, very worry vs United this season.. He'll mean business.. #MUFC
— Ary irawan (@aryirawan1981) September 2, 2021
If anyone actually believes Ronaldo will score less that 20+ goals this season, they're kidding themselves #mufc
— Rohan Borpujari (@rohanborpujari) September 2, 2021
Ronaldo vs Ireland! 🇵🇹
— W (@Casemiroszn5) September 2, 2021
Goals – 2
Shots on target – 4
Dribbles completed – 2/2
Long ball accuracy – 2/2
Without CR7 Portugal do not win that game. His winning mentality is infectious across the team. He's inevitable.
Apparently he's finished at the age of 36! 😁#MUFC pic.twitter.com/JBET1Nmjh7
Ronaldo clinched the victory for Portugal, but he won’t face Azerbaijan in the qualifier next week as he is suspended.
He picked up his second yellow card of the qualifying campaign after taking off his shirt in the celebrations.
That will be a boost for United as he could be permitted to return early from international duty.
The €45 million-rated star could still opt to stay with the squad, given his strong commitment towards Portugal.
Portugal travel to Qatar for a friendly this weekend.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
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