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World Cup 2018: Cristiano Ronaldo gives Portugal fourth-minute lead over Morocco… and becomes Europe’s all-time leading international goalscorer

Real Madrid star netted his fourth goal of the tournament and 85th for Portugal, breaking Ferenc Puskas' 62-year record

CRISTIANO RONALDO gave Portugal a fourth-minute lead over Morocco... and became Europe's all-time leading international goalscorer in the process.

The Real Madrid star, 33, netted his fourth goal of the tournament and 85th for Portugal, breaking Ferenc Puskas' 62-year record.

 Cristiano Ronaldo is now Europe's all-time leading international goalscorer
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Cristiano Ronaldo is now Europe's all-time leading international goalscorerCredit: Reuters
 Cristiano Ronaldo scored early against Morocco to net his 85th goal for Portugal
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Cristiano Ronaldo scored early against Morocco to net his 85th goal for PortugalCredit: AFP

Ronaldo was quick out of the blocks today as he continued his hot form following his hat-trick heroics against Spain.

The former Manchester United star kicked-off this tournament with 81 goals for his nation.

But his ridiculous performance against neighbours Spain - including a sensational last-gasp, free-kick equaliser - saw him go level with another Real legend, Puskas.

And it took him just four minutes to overtake the Hungarian icon, who netted 84 goals in just 89 games.

Cristiano Ronaldo stands sideways for Portugal World Cup 2018 national anthem in sign of patriotism
 Cristiano Ronaldo has already got one hand on the Golden Boot this World Cup
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Cristiano Ronaldo has already got one hand on the Golden Boot this World CupCredit: Reuters
 Ferenc Puskas had held the record for 62 years with 84 goals for Hungary
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Ferenc Puskas had held the record for 62 years with 84 goals for HungaryCredit: PA:Empics Sport
 Ali Daei holds the world record for international goals with 109
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Ali Daei holds the world record for international goals with 109Credit: Getty

It's taken Ronaldo 151 caps to surpass that long-time tally... and he'll now have his eye on the world record, rather than just European.

Ronaldo is already No2 on the global list - trailing Iran's Ali Daei, who scored a mind-boggling 109 goals in just 149 games between 1993 and 2006.

To put CR7's incredible achievement into perspective, Brazil legend Pele is only No7 on the list with 77 international goals.

And old frenemy Lionel Messi? He's down in joint-18th with 64 goals for Argentina.

Can hat-trick hero Ronaldo fire Portugal through the group stage?


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