The world salutes centurion Christiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo became the second player in men’s soccer history to score 100 international goals, and is close to setting an all-time record.

The 35-year-old joins Iranian legend Ali Daei as the only male soccer player to score a plateau of 100 goals. Ronaldo now needs only eight additional numbers for the Seleção to equal Daei’s vaunted record of 109 goals.

The Juventus star raised his tally to 101 for his country by taking a precise free kick in the first half and a superb shot in the second section.

Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskas ranked third on the list ever, having scored 84 goals on the international stage during his famous career.

Ronaldo, who needed just 165 matches to reach the benchmark, is by far the energetic captain among all international scorers. In comparison, Lionel Messi scored 70 goals for Argentina.

Portugal was in full control but needed an equally high-quality second goal from the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to make the points safe against Group A3.

Manchester United midfielder Fernandez said: “We know that [with Ronaldo] it is easy to get there.

“He has a nose on goal and can solve any match at any time.” Read more