Soccer: Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal over Ireland, sets international goals record

Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in Portugal's 2-1 comeback win over the Republic of Ireland in a World Cup qualifier. His first score set the record for the most international goals in history.

Ronaldo scored in the 89th minute and the sixth minute of stoppage time in the victory Wednesday at Estadio Algarve in Almancil, Portugal.

Ronaldo's 111 career international scores are the most for any men's player in history. He passed Iran's Ali Daei, who totaled 109 career international goals, with Wednesday's two-score effort.

Portugal outshot Ireland 29-6 in the victory, but trailed for most of the second half. Left back John Egan gave Ireland a 1-0 edge with a score in the 45th minute. Ronaldo answered nearly 45 minutes later.

Portugal right back Goncalo Guedes took his dribble inside the Ireland box near the right end line to spark equalizer. The defender turned and fired a pass toward the middle of the box just before he went out of bounds.

The ball fell into Ronaldo, who used his head to place a shot into the right side of the net.

Ronaldo scored the game-winner on a similar play. Portugal left wing Joao Mario possessed the ball in the right side of Ireland's box to start the go-ahead score.

Mario then sent a pass to the middle of the box. Ronaldo floated into the area and flicked another header past Ireland keeper Gavin Bazunu.

Portugal battles Qatar in an international friendly at 12:45 p.m. EDT Saturday in Debrecen, Hungary. Portugal faces Azerbaijan in another World Cup qualifier at noon EDT Tuesday in Baku, Azerbaijan.