Ronaldo Makes History as Portugal Hit Five
Cristiano Ronaldo silenced critics by scoring twice in a dominant 5-0 victory for Portugal over World Cup debutants Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium on Tuesday, 23 June.
Following an opening 1-1 draw against DR Congo, Roberto Martínez’s side desperately needed to revive their Group K campaign.
The 41-year-old captain delivered inside six minutes, converting Joao Cancelo’s cross to become the first player to score in six different World Cups. The strike also made him the second-oldest goalscorer in tournament history, behind Roger Milla.
Nuno Mendes doubled the advantage with a clever free-kick, using Ronaldo as a decoy. After Uzbekistan had a goal disallowed for a foul, Bruno Fernandes unlocked the defence to set up Ronaldo’s second before the break.
Though his teammates eagerly sought a hat-trick for the veteran forward, an own goal from goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov and a late strike from substitute Rafael Leao completed the rout. Portugal now sit atop Group K ahead of their crucial match against Colombia.
Ronaldo, who ended an 11-game major tournament drought, was ecstatic at full-time, yelling, “I’m back, I’m back” into the television cameras to cement his historic afternoon.
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