By Daniel Akinte
Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics in spectacular fashion, scoring twice as Portugal cruised to a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Houston and revived their FIFA World Cup campaign.
The 41-year-old captain ended a lengthy goal drought on the biggest stage by finding the net in the sixth minute before adding another just before halftime.
Portugal took control early, with Ronaldo opening the scoring from close range after being picked out by João Cancelo.
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Any hopes of an Uzbekistan comeback disappeared shortly after halftime when goalkeeper Abduvokhid Nematov turned the ball into his own net under pressure.
Substitute Rafael Leão completed the rout three minutes from time with a brilliant finish into the top corner.
Ronaldo came close to completing a hat-trick on several occasions but was ultimately forced to settle for two goals and a historic night. His strikes mean he has now scored in every World Cup edition he has played — 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.
The Portuguese legend also became the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history at 41 years and 138 days, behind only Cameroon’s Roger Milla.
After facing criticism following their opening draw, Roberto Martínez’s side delivered the perfect response, with Ronaldo once again proving that age is no barrier to greatness.
