Portugal Thrash Uzbekistan As Ronaldo Scores Twice To Make History

Cristiano Ronaldo made history as he became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments, scoring twice in Portugal’s emphatic 5-0 win over Uzbekistan.

The 41-year-old opened the scoring in the sixth minute, meeting João Cancelo’s cross with a low half-volley at the near post to register his landmark goal and put Portugal ahead early.

The strike also made him the second-oldest player ever to score at a World Cup, behind Cameroon legend Roger Milla, who scored at age 42 against Russia in 1994.

Portugal, criticised after a 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their opening game, responded strongly against the tournament debutants, doubling their lead in the 17th minute when Nuno Mendes curled in a low free-kick from 20 yards.

Read Also: DR Congo Force Portugal To 1-1 Draw in W’Cup Opener

Uzbekistan briefly thought they had pulled one back through a stunning Aziz G’aniev effort, but the goal was ruled out after Abbosbek Fayzullaev was penalised for a foul on Cancelo.

Ronaldo struck again in the 39th minute, finishing off a quick move initiated by Bruno Fernandes in midfield, sliding a precise shot into the bottom corner for Portugal’s third.

An own goal from goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov added a fourth before substitute Rafael Leão completed the rout with a late fifth, sealing a dominant victory for Portugal.

The result sent Portugal top of Group K, although Colombia could overtake them depending on their result against DR Congo, while Uzbekistan remain without a point after two matches.

Ronaldo’s latest milestone comes as long-time rival Lionel Messi recently moved ahead in the World Cup scoring charts, but the Portuguese captain’s record of scoring across six editions now stands unmatched in the tournament’s history.