Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first player to score at six World Cups as Portugal rout Uzbekistan 5-0
The 41-year-old scored twice in Houston to become the only footballer to find the net in six different World Cup finals, silencing critics after a sluggish start and putting Portugal on the brink of the last 16.
Match action
Portugal delivered a commanding performance to bounce back from their opening draw against DR Congo. Cristiano Ronaldo, who had faced calls to be dropped after a goalless display, was given a rapturous reception during the warm-ups and nearly scored in the third minute, slapping the turf in frustration. From João Cancelo’s sixth-minute cross he swivelled to hammer the ball home, triggering his trademark “Siu” celebration. Nuno Mendes doubled the lead from a clever free-kick routine that saw Ronaldo dummy the shot. Ronaldo then grabbed a second with a composed finish before half-time, effectively sealing the win. An own goal by Uzbekistan (credited to goalkeeper Nematov or defender Khusanov by different outlets) and a late Rafael Leão strike made the final score 5-0 in front of 68,777 fans at Houston’s NRG Stadium.
I’m back
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- 2
- Nuno Mendes
- 1
- Own goal
- 1
- Rafael Leão
- 1
Record breaker
Ronaldo’s early strike made him the first player to score at six different World Cup tournaments, a feat unmatched by Lionel Messi. He also became the second-oldest man to score at the finals, aged 41 years and 138 days, behind only Roger Milla’s record in 1994. With his double, Ronaldo took his World Cup tally to 10 goals, surpassing Eusébio’s previous Portugal record of nine. He had gone 10 major tournament matches without a goal before Tuesday’s brace, and is now on 144 international goals in 230 appearances, both men’s records.
Selection decisions pay off
Coach Roberto Martínez made two changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Congo, bringing in Rúben Dias for the injured Tomás Araújo and starting João Félix ahead of Bernardo Silva. The reshuffle brought greater fluency and defensive solidity, with Vitinha and João Neves dictating play from midfield. Portugal created a stream of chances and never looked troubled by an Uzbekistan side coached by Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro.
Group K outlook
The win gives Portugal four points and sets up a decisive clash with Colombia in Miami on 27 June for top spot in Group K. Uzbekistan remain pointless and will need a miracle against DR Congo in Atlanta to avoid early elimination. Portugal’s performance erased the doubts that had swirled around Ronaldo’s role after his muted display in the opener.
