Cristiano Ronaldo scored an international record-breaking tenth hat-trick for Portugal on Tuesday night, while Bruno Fernandes also got on the scoresheet in the 5-0 hammering of Luxembourg.
The Manchester United stars cemented their nation's place in the top two of Group A against the minnows, edging the Selecao closer to qualification for World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

Portugal remains a point behind group leaders Serbia, although they do boast a game in hand, meaning their fate lies very much in their own hands as they aim to reach the summit. And with Ronaldo and Fernandes in top form, that quest is certainly achievable.

The duo starred for Fernando Santos' side in the 5-0 drubbing of Luxembourg, as Ronaldo particularly shone, breaking yet another record on his journey to becoming the most individually decorated player in history.

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The 36-year-old hit a treble on Tuesday - the tenth of his international career. That figure is higher than any other player, meaning that he not only holds the record for the most international goals with 115, but he is now also the leading hat-trick scorer on the international stage.

He kicked off the scoring with two penalties in quick succession, giving himself 77 minutes to complete his hat-trick. Ronaldo had to wait until the 87th minute to get his reward, darting to the back post and heading home to round off another successful evening for himself and Portugal.

Fernandes was also impressed on the night, scoring the Selecao's third with an excellent drilled shot across the goalkeeper, while also providing the assist for Joao Palhinha to add a fourth.

Both players ended the night without any injury concerns, meaning Man Utd supporters can breathe a sigh of relief over the fitness of two of their superstars.

Portugal will have to wait until November to seal the top spot of Group A, when they face the Republic of Ireland on November 11, before hosting Serbia in what could be a straight shootout for the summit.

SOURCE: 90MINS