Ronaldo sets six-World-Cup scoring mark in Portugal rout

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six FIFA World Cups after striking twice in Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, Al Jazeera reported. The result also gave the 41-year-old the top spot among Portugal’s World Cup scorers, moving him past Eusébio da Silva Ferreira, according to Al Jazeera.

Ronaldo’s two goals turned the match into a record-setting night for Portugal’s longtime forward. Al Jazeera reported that his scoring run now spans six editions of the tournament, a mark no other player had reached.

The win was decisive for Portugal, which finished with five goals against Uzbekistan, according to Al Jazeera. Ronaldo’s contribution accounted for two of them and made him the central figure in both the scoreline and the wider tournament record.

Al Jazeera reported that Ronaldo marked the performance with a brief declaration after the match: “I’m back.” The comment followed a night in which he added a World Cup first and overtook one of Portugal’s most celebrated football figures on the national scoring list at the tournament.

Eusébio, long a benchmark for Portuguese football, had held Portugal’s World Cup scoring lead before Ronaldo passed him, Al Jazeera reported. Ronaldo’s latest goals put him alone at the top for Portugal in World Cup play.

The milestone came with Ronaldo still playing at 41, an age highlighted by Al Jazeera in its account of the match. His double against Uzbekistan put his longevity into the tournament record book while helping Portugal to a one-sided win.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.