Cristiano Ronaldo marked a significant milestone by becoming the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments, netting twice in Portugal’s commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan on Tuesday in Houston. The 41-year-old captain’s performance came after a challenging start to the tournament and quelled growing doubts about his form and relevance on the international stage.
Ronaldo’s opening goal arrived just six minutes into the match, highlighting his enduring scoring ability despite a recent goal drought. His historic strike extended his World Cup goal tally to 10, the highest of any Portuguese player, surpassing the legendary Eusebio. Ronaldo added a second goal just before halftime by calmly finishing a through ball from Bruno Fernandes, further consolidating Portugal’s lead. Throughout the game, he engaged in his signature “Siu” celebration, receiving loud support from the crowd of over 68,000 spectators at NRG Stadium.
The match also featured a notable moment when Ronaldo stood over a free kick but instead of shooting, executed a clever set-piece routine that allowed teammate Nuno Mendes to score. This tactical move demonstrated Ronaldo’s evolving role within the team as both a goal scorer and playmaker.
Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, maintained his confidence in Ronaldo despite criticism and calls for the veteran striker to be dropped after a goalless and underwhelming performance in the group opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ronaldo had limited chances in that match, fueling speculation about his declining form relative to other leading players in the tournament, such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland, who have all made strong starts.
After the win over Uzbekistan, Ronaldo addressed the media, acknowledging a “difficult” and “dark week” following the initial match and expressing his determination to persevere through hard work. “It seemed like I was already retired from football, but I held on,” he said. “We’re back.”
The victory put Portugal on the verge of securing a place in the knockout stages of the tournament. The team’s dominant display was underscored by additional goals, including one from an own goal by Uzbekistan’s goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov and a late finish from substitute Rafael Leao. Italy’s Fabio Cannavaro, coaching Uzbekistan, faced a tough challenge against a Portuguese side that combined experience and tactical maturity.
Portugal is set to conclude the group phase with a game against Colombia on Saturday, who opened their campaign with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. The result against Uzbekistan has been seen as a confidence boost for Portugal, signaling the potential for a deeper run in the tournament, with Ronaldo continuing to play a pivotal role despite questions about his pace and consistency.