Cristiano Ronaldo ended his goal drought at major tournaments with a first-half double as Portugal cruised to a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in their World Cup group stage match. The performance also saw Ronaldo become the first player to score in six editions of the World Cup, breaking a record he now holds alone.
Ronaldo Breaks Goal Drought and Sets Record
Ronaldo had not scored in 10 major tournament games before facing a Uzbekistan defense that was overwhelmed from the start. His first goal came from a half-volley after João Cancelo reached the byline and cut the ball back from six yards. The second was a comfortable angled finish after Bruno Fernandes played him through a vacant midfield. The five-goal margin felt conservative, as Portugal dominated throughout.
“I’m back,” Ronaldo yelled into the cameras after the match, expressing relief at ending his barren spell. The relief was shared by Portugal manager Roberto Martínez, who had faced criticism over Ronaldo’s form. “I was asking him the other day if it’s genetic or work,” Martínez said. “Nothing gives you a better assessment of your career than longevity in football.”
Uzbekistan Overwhelmed by Portugal’s Quality
Uzbekistan were utterly unequipped to repel opponents of Portugal’s standard. They briefly rallied with a disallowed Azizjon Ganiev blast but soon succumbed again. Ronaldo was denied a hat-trick by a dramatic intervention from Abdukodir Khusanov after he flicked another Cancelo delivery towards goal. A free-kick routine saw Nuno Mendes whip the ball past keeper Abduvokhid Nematov after Ronaldo feigned taking it. “I told Nuno: ‘Let’s trick the goalkeeper, he’ll think it’s me,’” Ronaldo said.
Set-Piece Mastery and Late Flourishes
Portugal’s set-piece coach, Austin McPhee, was embraced by Martínez on the touchline after a corner snaked in low by Fernandes squirmed off multiple components of the unfortunate Khusanov and a flailing Nematov to cross the line. “Set pieces are an obsession for Austin,” Martínez enthused. Rafael Leão capped the rout with a rising drive late on, but Ronaldo had already made the loudest noise.
Doubts about Ronaldo’s suitability for tougher assignments linger, but his renaissance against inadequate foes was nonetheless a moment of genuine theatre. The match was a leisurely non-contest after the opening period, with Portugal’s travelling fans getting what they came for.
