Ronaldo breaks World Cup record as Portugal crush Uzbekistan 5-0
Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a stunning performance as Portugal defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 in their Group K World Cup match. The Portuguese captain scored twice and became the first player in football history to score in six different World Cups.
The 41-year-old forward had faced criticism after failing to score in his previous 10 matches at major international tournaments. However, he responded in spectacular fashion and celebrated his goals by shouting “I’m back” into television cameras after the final whistle. Portugal started the match aggressively and put Uzbekistan under pressure from the opening minutes. Ronaldo opened the scoring in the sixth minute after converting a low cross from Joao Cancelo. He later added his second goal with a composed finish from a precise pass by Bruno Fernandes.
Nuno Mendes also got on the scoresheet with a clever free-kick that caught the Uzbekistan defence and goalkeeper by surprise. Portugal continued to dominate throughout the match and created numerous scoring opportunities. Uzbekistan briefly thought they had reduced the deficit through Azizjon Ganiev, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review due to a foul in the build-up.
Also Read: Colombia beat DR Congo 1-0 to reach FIFA World Cup Group K knockouts
In the second half, Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov accidentally turned the ball into his own net, adding to his team’s misery. Rafael Leao then completed the scoring with a late goal as Portugal secured a comfortable victory in front of a crowd of 68,777 spectators. With his brace, Ronaldo increased his World Cup tally to 10 goals and moved past Portuguese legend Eusebio to become Portugal’s highest scorer in World Cup history.
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo said he was pleased with the record but stressed that the team’s progress was more important than individual achievements. He praised Portugal’s improved performance following their disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo in the opening game.
Portugal now has four points from two matches and will face Colombia in their final Group K fixture. Uzbekistan, still without a point, is on the verge of elimination and must beat DR Congo to keep its hopes alive. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez praised his players for showing maturity, improved decision-making, and clinical finishing, saying the team had learned valuable lessons from their opening match.
