His heroics clinched a stunning 2-1 win for Portugal in this World Cup qualifier.
For 89 minutes, as the Irish mix of kids and journeymen somehow defied logic to hold onto the lead given them by John Egan’s header, Ronaldo’s big night was turning into an evening to forget.
A missed penalty and scuffle with Dara O’Shea that could, with another referee, have led to a red card, was just the start as Ronaldo summed up all of Portugal’s frustrations.
That the main source of them was a teenage rookie keeper, on loan at Portsmouth from Manchester City, would have made him feel even worse.
Portugal hammered at their opponent’s door, which was being well marshalled by young goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.
He parried Ronaldo’s penalty before efforts from Bernardo Silva and Joao Mario failed to break Ireland’s resolve.
But, in Ronaldo, Portugal – and now United – have a player who can turn a lost cause into a personal triumph, in the blink of an eye. You are NEVER out of a match.
And in the 89th-minute Goncalo Guedes’ cross was headed home by the veteran to break Daei’s record.