Ronaldo scores twice as Portugal thrash Uzbekistan 5-0 at World Cup 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cup campaigns and silenced his critics as the Portugal captain struck twice in a 5-0 annihilation of Uzbekistan. The big win in Houston on Tuesday put Portugal on the brink of the knockout rounds and was a resounding response to the 41-year-old’s doubters. Recommended Stories list of 4 items end of list Ronaldo’s goal after six minutes made history – trumping even Lionel Messi – as he scored at six World Cups stretching back to 2006. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus ace pulled out his trademark “siu” celebration and let out a throaty roar in front of 68,777 fans. After Nuno Mendes made it 2-0, Ronaldo neatly got his second with a cool finish six minutes before the break. That took him to 10 World Cup goals, more than any other Portuguese player including the great Eusebio. Ronaldo came into the group encounter against tournament debutants Uzbekistan with 143 goals, the most in international men’s football. But once widely regarded as a competitor to Argentina’s Messi for the unofficial title of world’s best player, he has seen his powers go on the wane at the highest level. He had limited service in the disappointing 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of the Congo to start Portugal’s World Cup title bid. But when he did have two chances, he missed the target, igniting calls for coach Roberto Martinez to drop him. …