Ronaldo breaks another record as Real Madrid man nets double in rout to become Portugal's all-time top scorer
Cristiano Ronaldo made the most of shambolic Cameroon defending by scoring twice to help his team to a 5-1 friendly win on Wednesday and become Portugal's all-time leading scorer.
Ronaldo took his international tally to 49, two more than the previous record set by Pauleta, as Portugal ran rings around the Indomitable Lions in a meeting of two World Cup finalists.
'I don't worry about breaking records, it something that happens naturally, with lots of dedication,' the 29-year-old told RTP television.
Cameroon were level at halftime but fell apart in the second half as they conceded four goals in a disastrous 18-minute spell.
Who else? Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for Portugal in the friendly against the Africans
Familiar sight: Ronaldo stands with his arms outstretched during the first half having netted the opener
Tussle: Ronaldo battles with Allan Nyom for the ball near the touchline
MATCH FACTS
Portugal: Beto (Eduardo 46), Perreira, Rolando, Luis Neto, Coentrao, Meireles, William Carvalho (Veloso 76), Joao Moutinho, Rafa (Edinho 46), Ronaldo (Josue 87), Ivan Cavaleiro (Varela 69).
Subs not used: Veloso, Edinho, Varela, Antunes, Miguel Lopes, Lopes.
Goals: Ronaldo 21, 83, Meireles 66, Coentrao 67, Edinho 77
Booked: Coentrao
Cameroon: Itandje (Assembe 46), Nyom, N'Koulou (Kana Biyik 46), Chedjou (Nounkeu 71), Assou-Ekotto, Enoh, Song, Makoun (Matip 72), Aboubakar (Bedimo 63), Eto'o, Choupo-Moting (Idrissou 84).
Subs not used: N'Guemo, Bong Songo, Bagnack, Moukandjo, N'Djock.
Goal: Aboubakar 43
Booked: Song
Referee: Andre Marriner
Portugal went ahead in the 21st minute when Joao Pereira pulled the ball back from near the byline and found Ronaldo, who shimmied past his marker and fired a low shot past Guy Rolland Ndy Assembe to set a new scoring record.
The hosts did not have it all their own way and Vincent Abubakar levelled two minutes before the break when he was given time to control the ball on his chest and score with a shot on the turn.
The second half began with both teams on the attack and Assembe made an outstanding save to deny Ronaldo from close range just after the hour.
But Cameroon collapsed after a dreadful mistake by Aurelien Chedjou, who sent an attempted pass out of defence straight to Raul Meireles and the midfielder gratefully accepted the gift to put Portugal back in front in the 65th minute.
Fabio Coentrao added another two minutes later after he was set up by Silvestre Varela and, with Cameroon wide open, Edinho snapped up the fourth in the 77th minute after Essembe could only touch Ronaldo's shot straight into his path.
Helping hand: Rolando helps Samuel Eto'o back on to his feet after the Chelsea man takes a tumble
Show us your tackle: Ronaldo tries to nick the ball from Aurelien Chedjou during the clash
Brooding: Ronaldo looks glum as Portugal try to overpower the Cameroonians
Nice work: Fabio Coentrao celebrates scoring his goal on the night as Portugal moved into gear
Thumped: The Portuguese players gather as the match becomes increasingly one-sided
PORTUGAL'S TOP SCORERS
2. Pauleta (88 caps) - 47 goals3. Eusebio (64 caps) - 41 goals4. Luis Figo (127 caps) - 32 goals5. Nuno Gomes (79 caps) - 29 goals
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (109 caps) - 49 goals
Ronaldo completed the scoring in the 83rd minute, firing in a snap shot from 18 yards after two Cameroon defenders failed to clear the ball.
'We are not going to get euphoric because of a 5-1 win,' said Portugal coach Paulo Bento.
Easy does it: Real Madrid pair Coentrao and Ronaldo had much to celebrate on the night
Almost: Ronaldo sits on the turf after a Portuguese attack breaks down in the box
Job done: Ronaldo gives a thumbs-up during the second half as the Portuguese stars move through the gears
Almost: Portugal full back Joao Pereira (left) chases the ball
Tat's amazing: Raul Meireles celebrates after handing Portugal the lead once again
All over: Ronaldo celebrates his second goal of the night and Portugal's fifth
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