Tag: Portugal

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 […]