CR7 silences the critics with two goals and several new records, while Rafael Leão joins the party as Portugal overwhelms Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan.
Cristiano Ronaldo answered every question in the most familiar way possible: by scoring goals and making history.
After a disappointing performance in the opening draw against DR Congo, Portugal needed a reaction. Their captain delivered it emphatically, scoring twice in a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium and reminding the football world that even at 41 years old he remains capable of producing unforgettable nights.
The match had been billed as Ronaldo’s chance for redemption following criticism in Portugal, including an A Bola poll suggesting many supporters preferred to see him start on the bench. Instead, he responded with a furious celebration after his opener and later unleashed his trademark “SIUUU” in front of a roaring crowd.
By finding the net in the sixth minute, Ronaldo became the first player in football history to score in six different FIFA World Cups. His second goal before halftime further cemented his legendary status, allowing him to surpass Eusébio as Portugal’s all-time leading scorer at World Cups.
Portugal dominated from the outset and never allowed Uzbekistan to settle. Bruno Fernandes orchestrated play brilliantly, while Vitinha rediscovered his rhythm after a subdued opening match.
Fabio Cannavaro’s side simply could not cope with Portugal’s intensity. The defensive line cracked repeatedly, with Khusanov enduring a particularly difficult evening.
Nuno Mendes doubled the advantage after seventeen minutes, Ronaldo added his second before halftime, and an own goal by Khusanov shortly after the hour mark ended any lingering suspense.
Rafael Leão, introduced late in the match, completed the rout in the 87th minute. The Milan winger benefited from a deflection on a Semedo cross intended for Ronaldo, but gladly accepted his first goal of the tournament.
Portugal now sits atop Group H and heads into the final matchday full of confidence, while Uzbekistan’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage have been extinguished.
Match Report
Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan
Goals:
6′ Ronaldo (POR)
17′ Nuno Mendes (POR)
39′ Ronaldo (POR)
60′ Khusanov (own goal) (POR)
87′ Leão (POR)
Portugal (4-3-3)
Diogo Costa 6; Cancelo 6.5 (46′ Semedo 6.5), Rúben Dias 6, Veiga 6, Nuno Mendes 7; Bruno Fernandes 7, Vitinha 6.5 (83′ Leão 6.5), João Neves 6 (76′ Silva 6); João Félix 6 (64′ Trincão 6), Ronaldo 7.5, Pedro Neto 6 (46′ Conceição 6).
Coach: Roberto Martínez
Uzbekistan (5-4-1)
Nematov 5.5; Karimov 5.5 (92′ Jiyanov sv), Khusanov 4.5, Ashurmatov 5, Abdullaev 5, Nasrullaev 5.5 (46′ Alizhonov 5.5); Fayzullaev 6 (73′ Sergeev 6), Shukurov 5.5 (92′ Esanov sv), Ganiev 6, Xamrobekov 5 (46′ Mozgovoy 5.5); Shomurodov 5.5.
Coach: Fabio Cannavaro
Referee: Jayed
Yellow Cards: Xamrobekov, Veiga
Red Cards: None
Group H Standings
| Team | Pts | GD |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | 4 | +5 |
| Colombia | 3 | +2 |
| DR Congo | 2 | 0 |
| Uzbekistan | 1 | -7 |
