Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first player to score in 5 different World Cups

 Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s captain, became the first player to score in five separate World Cups on Monday when he found the net against Morocco.

The goal was Ronaldo’s 15th for Portugal in World Cup play and his 85th overall in international competition, tying him with German legend Miroslav Klose for second-most all-time.

Morocco had a chance to equalize just seconds later but Andres Iniesta blocked Nabil Dirar's shot from point-blank range as Spain held on for a 1-0 victory that leaves them atop Group B.

“We’re very happy, as we expected to get a good result in the game and we did,” said Ronaldo, who also scored in Portugal's first two games at the 2006 World Cup. “We were playing against one of the best teams in the world and we showed our quality against them.”

The veteran defender Iniesta said he was not surprised by Ronaldo's scoring feat.

“Cristiano is a great player; he does not need much time to score a goal,” said Iniesta, who plays for Barcelona. “It is very nice to see him score with such consistency.”

Ronaldo is the only player to score in each of his first five World Cup appearances. This year’s tournament holds the most for him, with Portugal facing five opponents, including three in the knockout round. Ronaldo has scored 11 goals in 15 games.

Ronaldo has scored five goals in seven World Cups and last month became Portugal’s all-time leading scorer with 47 international goals, passing Eusebio on a penalty kick against South Africa at the 2010 World Cup

His goal against Morocco was his second this tournament and gave the Portuguese their first lead in the group stage. The teams tied twice in their first game a year ago, with Ronaldo scoring both goals in a 2-2 draw.

“I knew it would be difficult,” Ronaldo said of facing Spain. “Thankfully we won the first game and now we have the opportunity to face the other team in the group and make it much harder for them.”

Ronaldo said that he was happy to see former Real Madrid teammate Iker Casillas play so well for Spain's national team.

“He did very well, as he always does,” Ronaldo said of Casillas, who is expected to start in goal as Spain plays against Russia on Thursday. “He is very good and we’re happy for him.”

The victory over Morocco also gave Spain a chance to face the host nation in the round of 16. Spain will play against the Netherlands on Friday, with two-time defending champion Spain seeking its fifth title. The last team to win three straight World Cups was Brazil in 1962-64. 

If Portugal wins that match, Portugal will play Germany or Argentina in the Round of 16 on Sunday (16:00 CET) Sept. 7, 2010, at Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Brazil. We just have one day to prepare for this game and I hope we can be successful! ...