Ronaldo breaks scoring mark

FARO (PORTUGAL): Cristiano Ronaldo became the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football when he headed two last-gasp goals to give Portugal a 2-1 comeback victory over Ireland in Group A of World Cup Qualifying on Wednesday.

The Manchester United forward saw Gavin Bazunu, a Manchester City loanee, save a firsthalf penalty after Jeff Hendrick was deemed to have fouled Bruno Fernandes.

Ronaldo appeared to lash out at Dara O’Shea in the build-up to the spot kick as a VAR review was taking place but he was not punished by the referee and he made Ireland pay. “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.”

John Egan headed Ireland into a shock lead from a corner on the stroke of half-time after Diogo Jota had hit the post for the hosts. After the break Portugal struggled to break down a resolute Ireland backline and it appeared that it was going to be a frustrating night for Ronaldo and his side after Bazunu produced a fine save from a free kick late on.

However, there was a late twist in the tale when the 36-year-old levelled the scores in the 89th minute to surpass Iranian Ali Daei’s record of 109 goals with a towering header.

He then produced a carbon copy in the sixth minute of stoppage time to score goal number 111 and secure all three points for the hosts.

Portugal, who travel to Azerbaijan next Tuesday, are top on 10 points after four games, three ahead of Serbia who have played a game fewer.

10-man France held STRASBOURG (FRANCE): World Cup holders France needed a scrappy Antoine Griezmann equaliser before holding on with 10 men to draw 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina as they resumed their campaign to qualify for the 2022 finals in Qatar. Edin Dzeko gave Bosnia a first-half lead here on Wednesday but soon after his headed clearance ricocheted back off Griezmann and just crossed the line to restore parity.

France were then handicapped by the 51st-minute sending-off of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde for a terrible tackle on Arsenal’s Sead Kolasinac.

The frustrating result, following their disappointing last-16 exit at Euro 2020, nevertheless keeps France on course to top Group D and qualify automatically for the next World Cup.

Oman stun Japan

TOKYO: Oman stunned Japan in the opening game of the final World Cup qualifying round on Thursday, winning 1-0 thanks to an Issam Al Sabhi goal in the closing minutes. Japan’s shock home defeat in Group B came after the Samurai Blue dominated the previous rounds, with eight wins from eight.