Marco Rossi’s side took an early 2-0 lead in their opening World Cup qualifier in Dublin, Barnabas Varga and Roland Sallai scoring in the opening 15 minutes. They conceded shortly after half-time and Sallai was sent off in the 52nd minute, unable to hold on with Ireland equalising in added time.

Ronaldo completed a brace in the match and following the tie left a message to the mascot, who stood in front of him during the pre-match rituals.

Cristiano Ronaldo's quest to play in a record sixth World Cup began in typical fashion with two goals as Portugal made a winning start to its qualifying campaign by routing Armenia 5-0. Ronaldo's goals extended his record as the highest scorer in men's international football to 140 and underlined his enduring motivation