Ranked as one of the top international squads in the world, the Portuguese national soccer club hopes to make a strong run at the upcoming World Cup in Brazil. While the overall talent on the roster from top to bottom is deep, there is one player who consistently strikes fear into each opponent he faces, no matter what cup, playoff or tournament is taking place. Forced to enter a WC qualifying playoff with Sweden in November, the Portuguese nationals needed a major effort to upend international star and Paris Saint-Germain scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
What they received was a memorable four-goal performance over two legs from Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, a moment that further solidified his status as one of the best players on the planet. Due to the sending of Os Navegadores to the 32-team World Cup, Ronaldo and company will now be able to use a string of upcoming international friendlies to further solidify their roster and on-field tactics as they look to depart Brazil with hardware. One of those important matches was played Wednesday night against fellow World Cup participant Cameroon and once again, CR7 etched his place among the all-time greats.
Performing in top fashion during his national side's 5-1 victory, Ronaldo recorded two goals on his way to becoming the all-time leading scorer in Portugal history. Notching career international goals No. 48 and 49, Ronaldo said after the match that he's never made it a goal to break records but hard work and dedication to his craft will sometimes lead to milestone moments such as the one witnessed Wednesday night. “I do not look to beat records," he said. “This happens naturally, with a lot of effort, dedication, with the excellent national team we have, a good coach. I knew that sooner or later it was going to happen.”
Portugal opens their World Cup slate on June 16 with a Group G contest against Germany.
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