Cristiano Ronaldo Roars Back with Two Goals as Portugal Beats Uzbekistan 5-0
Houston. Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals to help Portugal roll to a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan at the World Cup on Tuesday, bouncing back after a disappointing performance in the team’s opening match.
The 41-year-old Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments with his goals, adding another impressive accomplishment to his storied career. He was named man of the match.
The victory gives Portugal four points in Group K. Colombia, which has three points in the group, plays Congo on Tuesday night in Guadalajara.
Some critics questioned if Ronaldo should remain in the starting lineup after a forgettable performance in Portugal’s 1-1 draw with Congo. But coach Roberto Martínez stuck with the superstar and his decision paid off almost immediately with Ronaldo putting the team up 1-0 in the sixth minute.
He put João Cancelo's cross into the net with his right foot to make his latest mark on history. Ronaldo then made his signature SIUUU celebration before running toward the bench and celebrating with his teammates.
Ronaldo scored again in the 39th minute when he got a pass from Bruno Fernandes and scored with his right foot just inside the near post to make it 3-0. Nuno Mendes had made it 2-0 off a free kick in the 17th minute.
Portugal took a 4-0 lead on an own-goal in the 60th minute. Rafael Leão, who entered the game in the 83rd, extended the advantage to 5-0 in the 87th minute. He crouched down, smiled, and posed for the camera after his score.
Uzbekistan midfielder Azizjon Ganiev looked to have scored in the 30th minute, but it was overturned after a video review showed Abbosbek Fayzullaev fouled João Cancelo just before the play.
While Martínez kept Ronaldo as a starter, he did make two changes to the lineup. He benched midfielder Bernardo Silva for João Félix and started defender Rúben Dias, who sat out the opener with an injury, over Tomas Araújo.
Ronaldo had a great chance to score in the fourth minute when he took a cross from Mendes and just missed with his right foot as he slid to the grass. He shook his head and made a hand gesture indicating it was close.
But it wasn’t long before he scored put Portugal on top.
He had a chance for a hat trick at the end of second-half injury time, but his shot was just off.
Uzbekistan next plays on Saturday night in Atlanta against Congo. Portugal’s final group match is against Colombia on Saturday night in Miami.
Tags: Keywords:Related Articles
Japan and Sweden Play to 1-1 Draw as Both Advance to Knockout Round
The Japanese team finished second in Group F behind the Netherlands and will play Brazil in Houston on Monday.Ivory Coast into World Cup Knockout Round after a 2-0 Win over Curaçao
Ivory Coast will play on June 30 against either France or Norway -- whichever is the runner-up in Group I.Ecuador Beats Germany to Advance to Knockout Rounds
Ecuador finished third in the group with four points and advanced past the group stage for the second time after the 2006 edition.For Scotland and Other Teams in 3rd Place, the World Cup Waiting Game Is Underway
South Korea, the third-place team from Group A after a win and two losses (with a minus-1 goal differential), is almost certain to advance.Historic Night for South Africa as Maseko Sinks South Korea
South Africa reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time after Maseko's goal secured a 1-0 win over South Korea.Morocco Rallies Past Haiti 4-2 to Reach World Cup Knockout Stage
Late goals from Rahimi and Yassine helped Morocco overcome Haiti 4-2 and advance to the World Cup last 32.World Cup 2026: Switzerland Beats Canada 2-1 to Win Group B at World Cup
Switzerland defeated Canada 2-1 to win Group B, while the hosts advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.Mexico Makes History, Beats Czech Republic 3-0 to Finish Perfect Group Stage
Mexico defeated the Czech Republic 3-0 to complete a historic perfect World Cup group stage and advance to the last 32.Vinícius Stars as Brazil Seals Top Spot in Group C
Vinícius Júnior scored twice as Brazil defeated Scotland 3-0 to win Group C and advance to the World Cup knockout stage.Colombia Breaks Through Congo's Defense to Reach Knockout Stage at World Cup
Colombia has six points from two matches in Group K, two ahead of Portugal and five clear of Congo.The Latest
China, Indonesia Are ‘Very Open’ After Investors' Complaints
Chinese investors recently complained about Indonesia's investment climate.Japan and Sweden Play to 1-1 Draw as Both Advance to Knockout Round
The Japanese team finished second in Group F behind the Netherlands and will play Brazil in Houston on Monday.Indonesia Keeps MSCI EM Status, but Isn't Out of the Woods Yet
Indonesia retained its status as an MSCI Emerging Market but investors remain concerned about market transparency.Jokowi Launches Nationwide Political Tour Wearing Son’s PSI Party Uniform
Jokowi has begun his first nationwide political tour since leaving office, openly wearing the uniform of the party led by his youngest son.JCI Rebounds Above 6,000 as Lower Oil Prices Lift Sentiment
JCI rebounded above 6,000 as lower oil prices and a stronger rupiah lifted sentiment despite renewed higher-for-longer Fed concerns.Most Popular
