Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first to score in six World Cups as Portugal rout Uzbekistan 5-0

After a week of intense scrutiny following Portugal's disappointing 1-1 draw with DR Congo, Cristiano Ronaldo responded with two clinical first-half goals in a 5-0 demolition of Uzbekistan at Houston's NRG Stadium. The 41-year-old ended a ten-match goalless run at major tournaments and added new milestones to one of football's most decorated careers.

Ronaldo rewrites history

Ronaldo's sixth-minute finish from João Cancelo's low cross made him the first player to score in six different World Cup editions, a streak stretching from 2006 to 2026. The goal also equalled Eusébio's record of nine World Cup goals for Portugal. His second, a calm strike from Bruno Fernandes' pass in the 39th minute, moved him to ten goals at the finals, overtaking Eusébio as Portugal's all-time leading World Cup scorer. At 41 years and 138 days, he became the second oldest scorer in World Cup history, behind only Cameroon's Roger Milla.

“It was a hard week, a dark week. It seemed like I was already retired from football. But I held on, as always, because I believe more in hard work than anything else.”

Portugal find their shape

Portugal were far more disciplined than in the Congo draw, creating 17 attempts and pressing relentlessly. Nuno Mendes curled in a clever free kick in the 17th minute while Ronaldo acted as a decoy, an own goal from Abduvohid Nematov extended the lead after half-time and Rafael Leão added a late fifth. Coach Roberto Martinez said the team played with their heads, not hearts, and showed the composure missing in the opener.

Cristiano Ronaldo2

Nuno Mendes1

Abduvohid Nematov (own goal)1

Rafael Leão1

Cristiano Ronaldo

2

Nuno Mendes

1

Abduvohid Nematov (own goal)

1

Rafael Leão

1

Data from the article text

Praise from both dugouts

Martinez described Ronaldo as an icon whose hunger to work remains unmatched. "I have never worked with a player that, no matter what happened today, has an incredible hunger to work the next day," he said. Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro, who lifted the World Cup at Ronaldo's first tournament in 2006, praised the forward's longevity. "When you play against Ronaldo, you cannot leave anything for him. If you give him even one centimetre, he will score," Cannavaro said.

Group K picture

Portugal now sit on four points from two matches and face Colombia in their final group game. Uzbekistan, pointless after two defeats, play DR Congo and are on the brink of elimination. The result reignites Portugal's hopes of a deep run after the shaky start.