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FIRST INTERNATIONAL HAT TRICK On September 6, 2013, Ronaldo and his Portuguese national team faced Northern Ireland in Group F play during UEFA qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. This was the 7th of 10 group stage matches, and Portugal needed a win to put itself on solid footing to advance. Northern Ireland had proven to be a plucky bunch, playing Portugal to a 1-1 draw earlier in qualifying. This time around, the Green and White Army proved to be just as tough, taking a 2-1 second-half lead in the 52nd minute on a goal from Jamie Ward. A loss at this stage in the competition would make qualifying much more uncertain for Portugal, and Ronaldo rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion. The superstar striker ripped off three goals in a 15-minute span to secure the win and the crucial three points. It was the perfect moment for his first career hat trick for Portugal, as it all but ensured the team’s place at the World Cup in Brazil.

Ronaldo’s hat trick bolsters his country’s World Cup qualifying chances in 2013.

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