Cristiano Ronaldo made history on Tuesday by becoming the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments, netting twice in Portugal's 5-0 demolition of Uzbekistan in Houston. The victory put Portugal on the verge of the knockout stages and served as a powerful response to the 41-year-old's doubters following a challenging period.
Record-Breaking Start
Ronaldo opened the scoring after just six minutes, surpassing even Lionel Messi by scoring at World Cups stretching back to 2006. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus star celebrated with his trademark 'Siu' roar in front of 68,777 fans at Houston Stadium.
Nuno Mendes doubled the lead in the 17th minute before Ronaldo added his second with a composed finish six minutes before halftime. That goal took his World Cup tally to 10, more than any other Portuguese player, including the legendary Eusebio.
Silencing the Critics
Ronaldo told broadcasters after the match: 'It's always nice to break records, but my goal is to help the national team achieve its objectives. 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.'
He came into the match with 143 international goals, the most in men's football, but had faced criticism after a disappointing 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo in Portugal's opener. In that game, Ronaldo missed two chances, sparking calls for coach Roberto Martinez to drop him. However, Martinez stuck by his captain, who received a rapturous reception during warm-ups and whenever he appeared on the big screens.
Dominant Performance
Ronaldo nearly scored after just three minutes but missed a cross from Mendes at the far post. He slapped the turf in frustration but didn't have to wait long, swiveling on the six-yard box to meet Joao Cancelo's cross and smash the ball past goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov.
The outclassed Uzbeks, coached by 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, were the perfect opponents for Ronaldo to rediscover his scoring form. Uzbekistan thought they had pulled one back through Azizjon Ganiev's screamer, but VAR ruled it out for a foul on Cancelo.
Ronaldo rolled in his second with a cool finish to make it 3-0, then nearly completed a hat-trick from an intricate free-kick routine, but Nematov denied him, clattering into the veteran striker. From the resulting corner, the ball went in off Nematov for an own goal, making it 4-0. Substitute Rafael Leao added an emphatic fifth in the 87th minute.
Coach's Perspective
Coach Roberto Martinez said: 'There are times when you need a game like the first one in order to grow in the tournament. Today we saw a team with the same attitude and commitment, but with greater maturity because it was no longer the opening match.'
Portugal's final group match is on Saturday against Colombia, who beat Uzbekistan 3-1. Colombia will face DR Congo later Tuesday, knowing a win would propel them into the last 32.
