Ronaldo scores twice as Portugal rout Uzbekistan at World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in the first half as Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0 on Tuesday at the 2026 World Cup, Reuters reported. The goals steadied Portugal after criticism of its 1-1 opening draw with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and put Ronaldo into the tournament’s record books.

Reuters reported that Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cups. He also moved past Eusebio as Portugal’s top scorer at the global finals.

The match in Houston came after other leading forwards, including Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, had already made their mark with goals at the tournament, according to Reuters. Ronaldo, who had gone without a goal in Portugal’s opener, responded with two against Uzbekistan and appeared to shout “I’m back!” toward television cameras as he left the pitch, Reuters reported.

Martinez praises Ronaldo’s influence

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said Ronaldo’s long-running rivalry with Messi has helped both players sustain high standards. “I believe both players have improved football over the years, and their rivalry is important for themselves to grow,” Martinez said, according to Reuters.

Martinez said Ronaldo’s value to Portugal went beyond finishing chances. “He is an icon and a role model in the national team. He has a great attitude on the pitch and in the dressing room,” he said. “Not just the scoring – the passes, the chances created – he is a role model when it comes to the World Cup.”

Asked about Ronaldo’s reaction after the game, Martinez said he had not seen the forward lose faith in his work. “He is a human being and is allowed to have feelings,” Martinez said. “I have never worked with a player that says, whatever happens today, tomorrow he is hungry to work again.”

Martinez added that Ronaldo’s daily approach was a trait he wanted younger players to learn from. Portugal’s emphatic win also eased pressure on a team that had been questioned after the draw with DR Congo, Reuters reported.

Cannavaro credits Ronaldo’s longevity

Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro, who captained Italy to the 2006 World Cup title during Ronaldo’s first appearance at the tournament, praised the Portuguese forward after the match. Cannavaro said defenders have little margin for error against him.

“When you play against Ronaldo, you cannot leave anything for him. If you give him even one centimetre, he will score,” Cannavaro said, according to Reuters. He said Portugal’s players look to find Ronaldo often, which requires defenders to stay close and make smart decisions.

Cannavaro also said he spoke with Ronaldo after the game. “He is a very good professional, and I told him after the game, ‘You can play for more years and enjoy your football’,” he said.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino also congratulated Ronaldo on what he called an “incredible achievement” and wished him well for the rest of the tournament, Reuters reported.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.