Ronaldo finally appeared in the World Cup with a brand that stands out to make history
Where Lionel Messi steps, Cristiano Ronaldo always follows and the veteran Portugal striker joined the World Cup party late this afternoon with a goal to help his side beat Uzbekistan 5-0.
Ronaldo was widely criticized for his performance in DR Congo last week, sparking debate about his ability to cut it at the highest level at the age of 41.
He also endured watching his rival Messi score five goals in two games for Argentina and international stars Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland scoring four goals in France and Norway respectively.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez stuck by his big man and watched as the former Manchester United and Real Madrid goalscorer scored twice in the first half to become the first player to score in six World Cup finals. His second goal also saw him surpass the legendary Eusebio as Portugal’s leading scorer in the World Cup.
Nuno Mendes was also on target and Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abdouvakhid Nematov was credited with a goal before Rafa Leao came off the bench to add a superb fifth late on.
Ronaldo’s strike sets Portugal on course
The opening goal after six minutes was classic Ronaldo. Joao Cancelo did the legwork by running down the right before sending the low ball over. Ronaldo went freely to the front goal, passed his marker, met the ball on the half-volley, and sent it into the bottom corner.
Relief could be felt around the stadium in Houston.
Mendes then scored the second in 11 minutes after a free-kick on the edge of the area. As most people expected Ronaldo to take over, the PSG defender surprised everyone, including Uzbekistan goalkeeper Nematov, with a left-footed shot into the net.
Uzbekistan looked shell-shocked but, to their credit, eventually started to create the odd chance to go forward. And they thought they had halved the deficit just before the half hour mark when Aziz G’aniev struck a stunning effort into the top left corner from 25 yards.
Uzbekistan’s celebrations were cut short, however, when VAR spotted Abbosbek Fayzullaev’s foul on Cancelo and the effort was ruled out.
Portugal made the most of their luck by adding a third before the break.
Bruno Fernandes moved into midfield and picked out Ronaldo with a well-timed pass and the Al-Nassr man did the rest, slotting home with his right foot.
Ronaldo is frustrated in his pursuit of a hat-trick
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner almost completed his hat-trick in the first half but his effort past Nematov was cleared by Manchester City center Abdukodir Khusanov.
Joao Felix fired in a warning shot early in the second half, although Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan held back and had few chances of their own, with Fayzullaev and Otabek Shukuruv both shooting wide.
Ronaldo barely saw the ball in the first 12 minutes of the second half but almost played a key role in Portugal’s fourth game with a brilliant free-kick. Once again, he took it but stepped back and wandered forward. Fernandes picked out his incredibly soft run and a brave save from Nematov blocked Ronaldo’s effort.
Nematov went from hero to villain in the resulting corner, however. Uzbekistan failed to clear the area down the left and in the meee, Khusanov outplayed his keeper who got the last touch as it skidded over the line.
Ronaldo did his best to register a hat-trick but, pressing Nematov, saw his half-volley well saved by the overworked Uzbekistan keeper.
Leao had more luck with three minutes to go. Although the Uzbekistan defense managed to clear Nelson Semedo’s cross from the right, the ball fell perfectly to Leao and the Milan winger slotted it into the top corner.
