Ronaldo Makes World Cup History As Portugal Crush Uzbekistan 5-0
Sports Updated: 24 June 2026 10:02 EAT
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Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a record-breaking performance as Portugal defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K match on Monday, becoming the first player in football history to score in six different World Cup tournaments.
The 41-year-old captain opened the scoring in the sixth minute and added a second goal before halftime as Portugal produced their most convincing display of the tournament. The victory moved Roberto Martínez's side onto four points from two matches and strengthened their chances of reaching the Round of 32.
Ronaldo's early strike settled Portugal, who were looking to bounce back from a disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opening group fixture. The veteran forward showed sharp movement inside the penalty area before finding the net to give his side the perfect start.
Portugal doubled their lead through Nuno Mendes after a well-worked set-piece routine exposed gaps in the Uzbekistan defence. The European side dominated possession and created numerous chances as their opponents struggled to contain the attacking threat.
Uzbekistan briefly thought they had reduced the deficit, but their celebrations were cut short after a VAR review ruled out the goal for a foul in the build-up. The decision maintained Portugal's control of the contest and allowed them to continue pressing forward.
Ronaldo struck again before the break after being picked out by Bruno Fernandes, calmly finishing to put Portugal 3-0 ahead. The goal ended a scoring drought that had drawn criticism in recent weeks and reaffirmed his importance to the national team.
Portugal continued to dictate proceedings in the second half and added a fourth goal when Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov inadvertently turned the ball into his own net under pressure from the Portuguese attack.
Substitute Rafael Leão completed the scoring late in the match after being set up by Ronaldo, who capped his historic evening with an assist to go alongside his two goals.
The result left Uzbekistan without a point from their opening two matches and facing an uphill battle to keep their qualification hopes alive. Portugal, meanwhile, will head into their final group match against Colombia knowing another positive result could secure top spot in Group K.
Ronaldo's brace took his World Cup tally into double figures and saw him surpass Portuguese legend Eusébio as his country's leading scorer at World Cup finals. The achievement added another milestone to a career already filled with international records.
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo expressed satisfaction with the team's response following their opening draw and declared that Portugal had shown the quality expected of one of the tournament's leading contenders.
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez also praised his players, noting that they had played with greater composure and discipline than in their first outing. The coach said the performance demonstrated the lessons learned from the draw against DR Congo and highlighted the team's growing confidence as the tournament progresses.
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FELIX MAKONA
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