In brief
- After failing to score in ten consecutive major tournaments Ronaldo became the first man to score in six World Cups.
- Portugal trounced Uzbekistan putting the World Cup favourites on course to qualify for the top 32.
Under-fire Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics as he became the first man to score in six different World Cups on Wednesday, proving once again this World Cup has been a showcase for some of the sport's greatest players.
A joyous Ronaldo was mobbed by team-mates as he celebrated his emphatic opening goal.
It was a big moment for the superstar striker who had failed to score in 10 consecutive matches at major tournaments.
Ronaldo landed two goals in Portugal's 5-0 drubbing of Group K rivals Uzbekistan in Houston early Wednesday morning, shouting "I'm back, I'm back" into the television cameras.
Ronaldo's record followed fellow-supersar Lionel Messi's own milstone yesterday, when he became the World Cup's all-time leading goal scorer.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
41-year-old Ronaldo came into Wednesday's game still stinging from sharp criticism following an underwhelming performance in Portugal's opening 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo, but by minute six the concern melted away when he scored the game's first goal.
He added a second on 39 minutes to give Portugal a 3-0 lead after Nuno Mendes had put Roberto Martinez's side 2-0 up in the 17th minute with a well-taken free kick.
Portugal let loose in the second half with two more goals, including a spectacular Rafael Leao strike, to complete the rout.
The victory leaves Portugal firmly on course to qualify for the last 32 from Group K, where Colombia face DR Congo later on Tuesday.
Speaking after the match Ronaldo said that, while he was happy to break records, the most important thing for him was the team's improvement and the confidence the players showed after a frustrating first match.
"The team performed really well and improved a lot," he said. "As the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining. Obviously, speaking personally, records are always nice but my goal is always to help the national team achieve its objectives."
Portugese coach Roberto Martinez told reporters his side — widely regarded as tournament favourites— had made the most of their disappointing first game.
"There are times when you need a game like the first one in order to grow in the tournament," he said.
"Today we saw a team with the same attitude and commitment, but with greater maturity because it was no longer the opening match."
— With reporting by Agence France-Presse and Reuters news agencies.
You can watch all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live, free and exclusive on SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.
For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.
