Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo scores in sixth World Cup, answers critics
Cristiano Ronaldo made history by becoming the first player to score in six different editions of the World Cup, netting twice in Portugal’s dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. The forward’s performance was a direct response to recent criticism following Portugal’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their opening Group K match.
The 41-year-old expressed his joy and defiance after the match, stating, “I’m back! I’m back!” He added that the statement was so his critics “don’t forget – 23 years [doing so] like this.” Ronaldo emphasised the importance of the team’s work and the confidence gained from the win, noting that personal records are secondary to helping the team achieve its objectives.
Historic Performance and Team Effort
Ronaldo’s record-breaking goal came just six minutes into the match, a superb half-volley from a cross by Joao Cancelo. He then added a second before half-time, finishing after a well-placed through-ball from Bruno Fernandes. Only a goal-line clearance prevented him from securing a first-half hat-trick.
The match also saw goals from Nuno Mendes, who scored a free-kick, and an own goal from Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov. Substitute Rafael Leao completed the scoring with a late fifth goal, contributing to Portugal’s third-biggest victory of the 2026 tournament.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez praised Ronaldo’s role in lifting team spirits and maintaining standards after the disappointing draw with DR Congo. Martinez described the week leading up to the Uzbekistan match as difficult due to criticism and “unfair” noise. He highlighted Ronaldo’s role as a “perfect captain,” focused and experienced in handling such situations, serving as a role model for the team.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney, a former teammate of Ronaldo at Manchester United, commented on the striker’s incredible achievement, stating that scoring two goals at the World Cup at 41 is remarkable. Rooney noted that Ronaldo’s response to criticism is typical of his career, driven by a desire to be the best.
Continued Debate and Future Outlook
Ronaldo’s performance has reignited discussions about his status among football’s greatest players, particularly in comparison to Lionel Messi, who has also had an impressive start to the tournament for Argentina. Ronaldo is now his nation’s outright top scorer at World Cups and stands alone in scoring in six tournaments.
Uzbekistan boss Fabio Cannavaro acknowledged Ronaldo’s continued high level of play despite his age, stating that he still demonstrates hunger and ability. Cannavaro remarked that Ronaldo remains one of the strongest players in football history.
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane also praised Ronaldo’s enduring hunger and desire to score goals, calling him a “doubted genius” who inspires his teammates. Keane admired Ronaldo’s continued drive despite his numerous achievements.
Ronaldo is now the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history, behind only Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who scored at 42 years old in 1994. Portugal is set to face Colombia on Sunday, 28 June, in their final match to determine the top team in Group K.
The match against Uzbekistan saw Ronaldo make his 24th World Cup appearance, a total surpassed only by Messi and Lothar Matthaus. Ronaldo and Messi also share the record for the longest gap between a player’s first and last goal in World Cup history, spanning 20 years and 11 days.
The goals from Ronaldo included a precise finish from Joao Cancelo’s cutback, which he met emphatically from six yards. Later, after Nuno Mendes scored from a free-kick, Ronaldo added his second from a through ball by Bruno Fernandes, firing accurately across the goalkeeper. The team’s set-piece coach, Austin McPhee, was noted for his obsession with set pieces, which contributed to Portugal’s successful execution of several creative routines during the match.
Portugal’s next fixture is against Colombia on Sunday, 28 June.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”
