World Cup 2022: Cristiano Ronaldo comes close but misses out on landmark goal

It was the moment when he thought he had joined Eusebio as the World Cup's all-time leading scorer.

The Portuguese forward's jubilant celebrations convinced everyone his head had got the last touch to Bruno Fernandes' cross for the crucial opener.

It was a goal that sent Portugal on their way to qualification for the knockout stages with a game to spare and it was also going to be his ninth World Cup strike.

There was uncertainty after that. The replays were not conclusive.

• Fernandes double sends Portugal into last 16

It wasn't long before the goal was taken away from him and given to a teammate.

Most people's confusion was summed up by the smirk on the 37 year old's face as cameras panned on him as he was named the goal scorer on the public address system. Someone scored that goal. We don't know the answer to the question.

Portugal booked their place in the last 16 with a second goal from a penalty by Fernandes.

"I don't think it's important who touched the ball," said Fernandes. I thought that he touched the ball and I passed it to him, but that's all that matters.

In Portugal's opening game of the World Cup,Ronaldo scored to become the first player to score in five World Cup tournaments.

The debate raged on even thoughRonaldo seemed content enough for Fernandes to receive the praise.

Matthew Upson said he thought it was Bruno Fernandes' goal. I can see the replay in front of me and the ball doesn't change direction. If there is a glancing head, you can usually see the ball changing direction.

He thrives off those records and he doesn't mind that it won't go down as a goal on the board. His goal is to make it happen because of his presence and run.

Ian Dennis said: "Good luck to the official who has to go into the changing room to tell the player he has not scored that." Bruno is the one credited with it.

It was a close call.

Piers Morgan was pretty sure who the goal scorer was.

As it became apparent that the record wouldn't be equalled on Monday, the social media community was expected to respond with expectation.

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