Ronaldo late to party but still able to steal the show

FE Team | Published: June 24, 2026 22:33:49

HOUSTON, June 24 (Agencies): Cristiano Ronaldo joined the World Cup party with his two goals for Portugal against Uzbekistan on Tuesday, putting behind him a difficult week and reminding fans that his predatory instincts around the box have not diminished.
The striker netted twice in the first half as Portugal romped to a 5-0 win, bringing relief to both the player and the team, who had come in for heavy criticism following a lacklustre 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo in their opener.
The other goals were scored by Nuno Mendes, Rafael Leao and an own goal from Abduvohid Nematov.
He became the first player to score in six World Cups when he fired Portugal into an early lead against Uzbekistan in their Group K clash in Houston ?on Tuesday.
Ronaldo, who had not netted in his previous 10 games at major finals, converted from six yards after Joao Cancelo's cross from the right.
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It was his 144th international goal ?in his 230th appearance, both of which are records in men's internationals. Ronaldo made his World Cup debut in 2006 and has netted in every finalssince. ?His goal against Uzbekistan also equalled Eusebio's record ?of nine goals at the global finals for Portugal.
Ronaldo had to watch Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe light up the tournament with their goals, but now has two of his own as he became the first player in history to score in six World Cups and became Portugal's leading scorer at the global finals, passing Eusebio.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez says Ronaldo's rivalry with the likes of Messi is important for both players, and is what drives them to stay at their best.
"I believe both players have improved football over the years and their rivalry is important for themselves to grow," he said. "(Ronaldo) is an icon and a role model in the national team. He has a great attitude on the pitch and in the dressing room.
"Not just the scoring, the passes, the chances created, he is a role model when it comes to the World Cup."
Ronaldo appeared to shout "I'm back!" at the television cameras as he left the pitch following his two goals, but Martinez says he has never seen the player doubt himself. "He is a human being and is allowed to have feelings," he said.
"Whatever happens today, tomorrow he is hungry to work again. And that is a quality I would like to pass on to every young player."
Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro, who lifted the trophy for Italy at the first of Ronaldo's six World Cups in 2006, said he had nothing but praise for the longevity of the forward.
"When you play against Ronaldo, you cannot leave anything for him. If you give him even one centimetre, he will score," the Italian said.
"The (Portugal) players play for him, they give the ball to him. As a defender you need to be very smart to be close to him. He is a very good professional, and I told him after the game, 'you can play for more years and enjoy your football'."
In the other group game, Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo praised his side's composure and attacking variety after they beat DR Congo 1-0 to qualify for the round of 32 with a match to spare. Colombia, who opened with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, moved to six points from two games after breaking down a disciplined DR Congo side, with Lorenzo saying his team had grown in performance despite the pressure of a tight contest.