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World Cup Qualifying - Europe | Group Stage

Oct 12, 2021 at 7.45pm UK

Portugal
5 - 0
Luxembourg

Ronaldo (8' pen., 13' pen., 87'), Fernandes (17'), Palhinha (69')
Mendes (22'), Cancelo (84')

FT(HT: 3-0)

Martins Pereira (32')

Cristiano Ronaldo closes in on new goalscoring record with 10th Portugal treble

By Olly Allen

Published: October 12 2021 | 23:13

Last updated: October 14 2021 | 23:57

Ronaldo closes in on new goalscoring record

Cristiano Ronaldo is closing in on the record for the most goals in World Cup qualifying, after he netted his 10th Portugal hat-trick against Luxembourg on Tuesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo has moved a step closer to breaking another goalscoring record.

The 36-year-old scored three goals in Portugal's 5-0 win over Luxembourg on Tuesday evening, becoming the first player in men's international football to score 10 hat-tricks for his country.

Ronaldo converted two penalties in the opening 13 minutes, before completing the rout with an 87th-minute header after Bruno Fernandes and Joao Palhinha had also found the back of the net.

The Manchester United forward is now only three goals away from the record for the most goals in World Cup qualifying history.

Carlos Ruiz, who played for Guatemala between 1998 and 2016, scored 39 goals in qualifying matches, while Ronaldo currently has 36.

Portugal play the Republic of Ireland and Serbia next month, so he will have the chance to add to his tally and potentially break the record.

Last month, Ronaldo became the all-time top scorer in men's international football when he surpassed Ali Daei's record with two goals against the Republic of Ireland.