Cristiano Ronaldo has silenced some of his critics at the World Cup by making history during Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan.
Ronaldo scored the opening goal in their Group K clash on Tuesday when he fired home from inside the penalty area in the sixth minute.
In doing so he became the first male footballer to score in six different World Cups – to further cement his legacy as one of the sport’s greats.
The 41-year-old also took centre stage for Portugal’s second goal shortly afterwards. Nuno Mendes doubled their lead by firing home a free-kick but it left Uzbekistan – and most viewers – surprised when Ronaldo stepped aside as it appeared he was shaping up to shoot himself.
Ronaldo got his second in the 39th minute, a cool finish making it 3-0 after a pinpoint assist from Bruno Fernandes.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first male footballer to score in six different World Cups
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That was his 145th goal for his country, and his 10th at the World Cup. His first came 20 years ago in Germany, when he scored against Iran in Frankfurt.
He added another in 2010 against North Korea, and a third against Ghana in Brazil four years later. Four more followed in Russia in 2018 – a hat-trick against Spain in the opening game and one more against Morocco.
He then became the first player to score in five editions of the tournament when he scored the only goal of the game against Ghana at Qatar 2022 – a record since matched by his great rival Lionel Messi at this tournament.
But Ronaldo is now out on his own again with goals in six tournaments – the perfect riposte to those who felt he was a negative influence on the team after failing to register a shot on target in the opener against DR Congo.
An unfortunate own goal from Uzbek goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov extended Portugal’s lead and then Rafael Leao made it five.
