Cristiano Ronaldo is heading to another World Cup. Portugal sealed its place at next year’s tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with a resounding 9-1 rout of Armenia on Sunday.
Ronaldo missed the match in Porto due to suspension, but in his absence, Portugal ensured he would have the chance to appear at a record sixth World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will be 41 by the time the tournament kicks off next June. Ronaldo recently stated that this would be his last shot at winning the one major title that has so far eluded him.
Assuming he retains his fitness, Ronaldo is expected to be part of coach Roberto Martinez’s squad. However, he may yet face suspension for up to two matches after being sent off in Portugal’s 2-0 loss to Ireland on Thursday.
That surprising defeat meant Portugal had to beat Armenia to secure the top spot in Group F. Hat tricks from Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves ensured there would be no slip-up. Hungary had the chance to overtake Portugal at the top of the group but fell to a stunning late comeback from Ireland, losing 3-2 in Budapest.
Troy Parrott was the hero for Ireland, scoring a hat trick that included an equalizer in the 80th minute and the winner in the sixth minute of added time. Ireland’s victory meant they finished in second place and will advance to the playoffs.
### History Makers
Ronaldo and his great rival Lionel Messi will both appear at their sixth World Cup if they participate in next year’s tournament. This achievement would surpass greats like Germany’s Lothar Matthäus, who appeared in five World Cups.
Defending champion Argentina has already secured its place. Messi fulfilled his career-long ambition by leading Argentina to the title in Qatar in 2022.
Ronaldo, who has won the European Championship and two Nations League titles with Portugal, is still seeking to add a World Cup to an impressive trophy haul that includes five Champions League titles and league championships in England, Spain, and Italy.
Though nearing the end of his career and having left top-flight European soccer to play in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo continues to embellish his remarkable legacy. He led Portugal to the Nations League title earlier this year and last month became the leading scorer in World Cup qualifying games with 41 goals.
Suspension denied him the chance to add to that tally against Armenia, but there was no shortage of goals from Portugal in his absence. Fernandes’ hat trick included two penalties. Neves struck twice in the first half and completed his treble with a goal in the 81st minute.
### Ireland’s Comeback
It was an unforgettable week for Ireland, capped off with a dramatic fightback in Hungary and a spot in the playoffs. Parrott’s late winner was his fifth goal in two games and sealed second place for the Irish.
He scored both goals in the 2-0 win over Portugal and, with Ireland trailing 2-1 going into the 80th minute at the Puskás Arena, he proved his country’s hero once again. First, he lifted the ball over Hungary goalkeeper Dénes Dibusz to level the match at 2-2. Then, with the clock running down, he converted from close range deep into added time for the winner.
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James Robson is at ___ AP soccer.
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