Tag: Cristiano Ronaldo

World Cup 2026: Ronaldo Silences Critics with Brace as Portugal Thrash Uzbekistan 5-0

HOUSTON, United States – Cristiano Ronaldo answered his critics in emphatic fashion by scoring twice and becoming the first player to find the net in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments as Portugal cruised to a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in their Group K clash in Houston early Wednesday. Following the match, the 41-year-old forward turned to television cameras and declared, “I’m back, I’m back,” in an emotional response to recent criticism surrounding his place in the national team after enduring a 10-match goal drought in major international tournaments. Given time and space inside the penalty area, Ronaldo wasted little opportunity to punish an Uzbekistan side that struggled to match Portugal’s quality throughout the contest. His two goals took his World Cup tally to 10, surpassing Portuguese legend Eusebio as the nation's all-time leading scorer on football’s biggest stage. While pleased with the milestone, Ronaldo stressed that team success remains his top priority. “The team played very well and showed significant improvement,” he said after the match. “As the saying goes, every difficulty has its silver lining. Personally, records are always special, but my main objective has always been to help the national team achieve its goals.” The victory leaves Portugal with four points from two matches and sets up a decisive final Group K encounter against Colombia. Uzbekistan, still without a point, faces elimination and will take on DR Congo in its final group fixture. Early Pressure Pays Off Portugal came out with intensity from the opening whistle, eager to make amends for their disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opening match. Roberto Martinez’s side dominated proceedings, creating numerous chances through quick attacking movements and relentless pressure. Portugal finished with 17 shots, including eight on target, and continued to push forward in search of a hat-trick for Ronaldo, who missed several additional opportunities. Head coach Roberto Martinez praised his team’s improved decision-making and finishing compared to the previous match. “This was exactly the response we discussed in the dressing room,” Martinez said. “Sometimes you need a game like the first one to grow in a tournament. Today we saw a team with the same attitude and commitment, but one that was more mature because it was no longer the opening match.” Ronaldo opened the scoring in the sixth minute, calmly finishing from close range after a low cross from Joao Cancelo. He doubled Portugal’s lead later in the half, guiding Bruno Fernandes’ precise pass into the far corner. Clearly relieved to end his goal drought, Ronaldo sprinted toward the touchline in celebration after his first goal, surrounded by teammates while Martinez watched with a smile from the sidelines. Between Ronaldo’s two strikes, Nuno Mendes grabbed attention with a clever free-kick routine that deceived Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov and much of the crowd, with Ronaldo acting as a decoy during the set piece. Uzbekistan thought they had pulled one back before halftime through a superb effort from Azizjon Ganiev, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review that detected a foul on Cancelo earlier in the move. The visitors’ fortunes worsened after the break when Nematov accidentally turned the ball into his own net. Rafael Leao then completed the rout with Portugal’s fifth goal in front of a crowd of 68,777 spectators. With a comfortable lead secured, Portugal controlled possession and saw out the remainder of the match with ease, sending a clear message that they remain serious contenders as the tournament progresses. -- MINUTESMY

HOUSTON, United States – Cristiano Ronaldo answered his critics in emphatic fashion by scoring twice and becoming the first player to find the net in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments as Portugal cruised to a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in their Group K clash in Houston early Wednesday. Following the match, the 41-year-old […]

World Cup 2026: Ronaldo Under Scrutiny as Portugal Held by DR Congo

HOUSTON, June 18 — Cristiano Ronaldo's performance came under the spotlight after Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening Group K match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Portugal captain, making a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance alongside Argentina star Lionel Messi, endured a frustrating evening as he failed to convert two promising second-half opportunities that could have secured victory for his side. The 41-year-old striker missed a close-range chance that drifted wide of the target, leaving Portugal to settle for a point against a determined DR Congo side competing in their first World Cup finals in more than 50 years. Ronaldo's missed opportunities appeared to frustrate some teammates, including midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who was in a better position during one of the attacking moves that ended without a goal. Match statistics further highlighted Ronaldo's quiet display, with the veteran forward registering just 25 touches — the fewest among all Portuguese players who were on the pitch for more than 45 minutes. Despite growing debate over Ronaldo's effectiveness, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez defended his captain, arguing that the striker was not provided with sufficient service by his teammates. "We need to make use of all the players on the field. The main striker needs to be near the six-yard box and we need to pass the ball to him," Martinez said after the match. The Portuguese coach also dismissed suggestions that Ronaldo should be dropped from the starting lineup, emphasizing the importance of his experience and goal-scoring pedigree. "It doesn't make sense to take out the top scorer in the history of international football when the team needs goals," Martinez said. "Cristiano's experience inside the penalty area and his ability to attract defenders create space for other players." Questions surrounding Ronaldo's role in the national team have persisted in recent years, with discussions centering on whether he should remain a regular starter or be used as an impact substitute. Nevertheless, the veteran forward's remarkable international record of 143 goals in 229 appearances continues to underline his status as one of football's most influential and accomplished players. Portugal will now look to improve in their next Group K fixture as they seek to strengthen their bid for a place in the knockout stages. -- MINUTESMY

HOUSTON, June 18 — Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance came under the spotlight after Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening Group K match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Portugal captain, making a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance alongside Argentina star Lionel Messi, endured a frustrating evening as he […]