Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal hammered Uzbekistan 5-0 in the 2026 World Cup, emphatically responding to Lionel Messi's record-breaking performance earlier in the week. The 41-year-old forward became the first player in history to score in six different World Cups, netting after just six minutes.
Ronaldo's Brace Silences Critics After Disappointing Opener
After a lackluster display in Portugal's opening match against DR Congo, Ronaldo delivered a commanding performance against Fabio Cannavaro's Uzbekistan. His brace moved him to 145 international goals from 229 appearances, silencing doubters once again. The match came just two days after Messi scored twice for Argentina against Austria, taking his World Cup tally to 18 and claiming the outright record from Miroslav Klose.
Ronaldo opened the scoring in the sixth minute, lashing home a cross from Joao Cancelo. Moments earlier, he had narrowly missed a similar delivery from Nuno Mendes. In the 17th minute, Mendes scored a free-kick that caught Uzbek goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov off guard, as many expected Ronaldo to take it.
Controversial VAR Decision Denies Uzbekistan a Goal
Uzbekistan thought they had pulled one back just before the half-hour mark when Aziz G'aniev rifled a shot into the top corner from 25 yards. However, the referee was called to the pitchside monitor after a VAR review and ruled that Abbosbek Fayzullaev had fouled Cancelo in the build-up, disallowing the goal.
Ronaldo scored his second six minutes before the break, finishing first-time from a sublime pass by Bruno Fernandes. The goal effectively ended the contest, but Ronaldo continued to seek a hat-trick. On the hour mark, he had a golden opportunity from a Fernandes free-kick, but Nematov made a smart save.
Portugal's Dominance Continues in Second Half
Portugal's pressure paid off again when Fernandes' corner resulted in an own goal by Nematov after a goalmouth scramble. Ronaldo had another chance after intercepting a clearance, but Nematov recovered to block his shot. Rafael Leao rounded off the scoring, thumping into the roof of the net after Nelson Semedo's deflected cross fell into his path.
The 5-0 victory moved Portugal to the top of Group K, ahead of Colombia's clash with DR Congo later that night. The result came amid rumors of infighting within the Portuguese camp, but the team appeared united on the pitch. Portugal will face Colombia on Saturday in a likely battle for top spot in the group.
