MANSHETER, England (AP) — As Portugal won the qualifying campaign by routing Armenia 5-0, Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest to play in the record sixth World Cup began in a typical way with two goals.
Ronaldo’s goals extended his record to 140 as the highest scorer in men’s international football, highlighting his lasting motivation to continue setting more benchmarks before his storied career was over.
The 40-year-old Soccer Great recently signed a new contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, leading Portugal to a victory in the UEFA Nations League last summer. The World Cup is one major trophy to avoid him. He left great rival Lionel Messi, who lifted the biggest award in Argentina in 2022.
Next year will be Ronaldo’s last chance when the tournament is performed in the US, Canada and Mexico. Like him, Messi will also perform in his sixth World Cup. It sets it apart from the other players, with many names appearing in the five.
Ronaldo – Five-time Champions League winner, lifting the European Championship Trophy in his country, but was attacked by each half at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium as Portugal got off to a flight start in Group F.
Joao Felix also scored twice, reaching the opening goal just 10 minutes later. Joao Cancelo was also on the target.
England maintained a 100% record in qualifying with a 2-0 victory over Andorra at Villa Park.
Thomas Tuschel’s team is the head of Group K, who won four straight games after their own goals from Christian Garcia and Declan Riceheader.
Unconvincing England
While Ronaldo was even richer on his record, Harry Kane remained frustrated as Britain failed to persuade him again under Chuchel.
The 1-0 victory over Andorra in June was described by one British newspaper as the “worst ever” in Britain. It then followed a 3-1 home loss against Senegal, friendly and friendly, before the end of the season.
Tuchel made 10 changes to his team and while there were improvements, England still had to struggle against 174 ranks of And Run.
Garcia took to open a score on the 25th when he accidentally saw a Noni Madueke winding cross into his net.
England created more opportunities after the break, and Andorra goalkeeper Ikar Alvarez made two great saves from close range to deny Ebeki Eze and Elliot Anderson.
Rice is heading to the far post 67 days from Reese James’ cross.
England’s greatest scorer of all time, Kane couldn’t extend his record.
Also in Group K, Serbia beat Latvia 1-0, moving second at the table.
England will play Serbia on Tuesday.
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