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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Mark Jones

Cristiano Ronaldo breaks astonishing World Cup record in first match in Qatar

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first player to score in five different World Cups by netting against Ghana at Stadium 974 in Qatar.

Ronaldo netted a penalty 65 minutes into the Group H match to add the Qatar 2022 edition to the previous World Cups he scored in - Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018.

Southampton defender Mohamed Salisu was controversially judged to have fouled Ronaldo in the penalty area midway through the second half in Doha, and the Portugal skipper picked himself up and dispatched the spot-kick into the middle of the net.

Ronaldo has now scored in five different World Cups (AFP via Getty Images)

The goal was Ronaldo's eighth in the World Cup across the five different tournaments, with long-term rival Lionel Messi scoring his seventh in Argentina's defeat to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

Ronaldo set a new record with his goal (AFP via Getty Images)

The match was the first that Ronaldo has played since it was announced on Tuesday that he had left Manchester United with immediate effect.

Ronaldo slammed the club, manager Erik ten hag and Old Trafford directors in a tell-all interview with Piers Morgan shortly before the World Cup.

United issued a statement confirming Ronaldo's departure on Tuesday.

" Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect," said the club.

"The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future.

"Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch."

In response Ronaldo said in a statement: "Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early.

"I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge.

"I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future."

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