NEW DELHI: Cristiano Ronaldo turned back the clock with a stunning performance as Portugal thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0 at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 41-year-old captain scored twice to help his side register their first win of the tournament after a lackluster draw against DR Congo.With his shirt, Ronaldo created history by becoming the first player ever to score in six different FIFA World Cups, from 2006 to 2026. He also became Portugal’s all-time World Cup goalscorer with 10 goals, surpassing Eusebio’s nine. This achievement also put him alongside Lionel Messi and Michael Laudrup as the players who are both the youngest and oldest World Cup goalscorers for their country.In another entry, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have achieved incredible statistical symmetrywith both stars recording an identical gap of 20 years and 6 days between their first and last tournament goals.Portugal entered the game under pressure after leading 1-1 in their first game against DR Congo. Against Uzbekistan, however, they acted much sharper and more confident. Along with Ronaldo’s two goals, Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leao opened the net, while an own goal by Uzbek goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov rounded off the defeat.The incredible victory not only revived Portugal’s World Cup campaign, but also boosted their goal difference ahead of the final group stage match. It was a particularly important response for Ronaldo, who struggled to perform in the opening game.
Ronaldo and Martinez react
Despite achieving another historic milestone, Ronaldo insisted that the team’s success remains his priority.“The team has been very good and has improved a lot. As they say, every cloud has a silver lining. Obviously, speaking personally, records are always nice, but my goal is always to help the national team achieve its goals,” he said.Portugal coach Roberto Martinez praised his team’s response after a disappointing start.“This was the answer we had in the locker room. There are times when you need a game like the first to grow in the tournament. Today we saw a team with the same attitude and commitment, but with more maturity because it was no longer the first game,” Martinez said.For Ronaldo, it was another reminder that even at the age of 41, he is capable of writing football history.
