HOUSTON: Cristiano Ronaldo became the first footballer to score in six different FIFA World Cup campaigns as the Portugal captain struck twice in a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan on Tuesday, putting his side on the verge of reaching the knockout rounds.
The 41-year-old forward delivered a resounding response to recent criticism, scoring two first-half goals as Portugal overwhelmed the tournament debutants in front of 68,777 spectators in Houston.
Ronaldo opened the scoring after just six minutes, setting a new World Cup record by finding the net in six separate tournaments spanning two decades, from 2006 to 2026.
The milestone moved him ahead of Argentina captain Lionel Messi and added another chapter to one of football’s most decorated careers.
Record-Breaking Night
After converting a cross from Joao Cancelo, Ronaldo celebrated with his trademark “Siu” gesture before adding a second goal six minutes before halftime.
The brace took his World Cup tally to 10 goals, surpassing Portuguese great Eusebio as the country’s highest scorer in World Cup history.
“I’m back, I’m back,” Ronaldo was seen saying after his second goal.
“It’s always nice to break records, but my goal is to help the national team achieve its objectives,” he later told broadcasters.
“It was a difficult 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 in anything else.
“It was hard, I have to admit it, but we’re back.”
Answering Critics
Ronaldo entered the match under pressure after a subdued performance in Portugal’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo, where missed chances fuelled calls for coach Roberto Martinez to leave him out of the starting lineup.
The veteran forward had also gone 10 consecutive appearances at major international tournaments — World Cups and European Championships — with only one assist and no goals before Tuesday’s match.
Despite the criticism, Martinez maintained his faith in the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who received a warm reception from Portuguese supporters throughout the evening.
Ronaldo now has 145 international goals, extending his record as the highest scorer in men’s international football.
Portugal in Control
Portugal dominated from the outset and doubled their lead through Nuno Mendes in the 17th minute.
Uzbekistan briefly thought they had reduced the deficit through Azizjon Ganiev, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review.
Ronaldo nearly completed a hat-trick before an own goal by goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov made it 4-0.
Substitute Rafael Leao added a fifth goal in the 87th minute to complete an emphatic victory.
The result leaves Portugal in a strong position ahead of their final Group K match against Colombia on Saturday.
Colombia, who defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 in their opening match, were scheduled to face DR Congo later on Tuesday.
