HOUSTON: Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a stunning response to his critics, scoring twice as Portugal thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0 in a crucial Group K World Cup match and strengthened their bid for a place in the knockout stages.
The Portuguese captain, who had faced growing questions about his form and future, produced a vintage performance to remind the football world of his enduring quality. Leading from the front, Ronaldo was at the heart of a dominant display that saw Portugal overwhelm Uzbekistan from start to finish.
Portugal took the lead in the sixth minute when João Cancelo sent in a precise cross from the right wing. Ronaldo met it with a superb first-time finish that left the Uzbek goalkeeper with no chance. The strike was Ronaldo’s first goal of the tournament and earned him a place in World Cup history as the first player to score in six consecutive editions of the competition, from 2006 to 2026.
At 41 years and 138 days, Ronaldo also became the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history, behind only Cameroon legend Roger Milla, who scored at the age of 42 years and 39 days during the 1994 tournament in the United States.
Portugal doubled their advantage in the 17th minute through Nuno Mendes, who converted a well-struck free kick. The European side continued to dominate possession and chances, pinning Uzbekistan deep inside their own half.
Ronaldo struck again just before halftime. A swift Portuguese counterattack saw Bruno Fernandes thread a perfectly weighted pass through the Uzbek defence. Ronaldo raced onto the ball and finished clinically to make it 3-0. The goal also saw him surpass Portuguese great Eusébio as his country’s leading scorer in World Cup history.
Portugal added a fourth goal in the 60th minute when Uzbekistan defender Nematov accidentally turned the ball into his own net following a goalmouth scramble.
Substitute Rafael Leão completed the rout in the 87th minute. Receiving a cross from Nelson Semedo on the right, Leão unleashed a powerful shot into the far corner to seal an emphatic victory.
Ronaldo nearly completed a hat-trick in injury time but saw his final effort drift narrowly wide of the post.
The convincing win sends a strong message from Portugal, who now turn their attention to a high-profile clash against Colombia on Saturday. With Ronaldo once again proving decisive on the biggest stage, Portugal will head into the contest full of confidence.
