Ronaldo Makes History With Brace as Portugal Run Riot With 5-0 Thrashing of Uzbekistan

Ronaldo Makes History With Brace as Portugal Run Riot With 5-0 Thrashing of Uzbekistan

The 41-year-old had endured a frustrating goalless performance in Portugal's 1-1 draw with DR Congo, and critics questioned whether he should remain in the starting lineup. But coach Roberto Martinez stuck with his captain, and the decision paid off almost immediately. Ronaldo needed just six minutes to open the scoring, powering in a half-volley at the near post from Joao Cancelo's low cross to make history and silence his doubters.

He then made his signature "SIUUU" celebration before running toward the bench to celebrate with his teammates, the relief and joy clear on his face.

Portugal continued to pile on the pressure, and their dominance was rewarded in the 17th minute when Nuno Mendes stepped up to take a free-kick from 20 yards. The left-back showcased his dead-ball expertise, drilling a low left-footed strike into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

Uzbekistan briefly thought they had pulled one back in the 30th minute when Azizjon Ganiev beat Diogo Costa with a stunning long-range strike, but after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out for a foul on Cancelo in the build-up.

Just before half-time, Ronaldo struck again. Bruno Fernandes played a precise through-ball into the path of the veteran striker, who raced through and coolly slid his shot past goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov to make it 3-0. The brace took Ronaldo's World Cup tally to 10 goals, moving him past Portuguese legend Eusebio on the country's all-time list at the global finals.

He had a chance to complete his hat-trick in first-half stoppage time, but Abdukodir Khusanov cleared his effort off the line. The second half continued in similar fashion. Just before the hour mark, a low corner from Fernandes was deflected into his own net by the unfortunate Khusanov, making it 4-0.

Ronaldo twice came close to completing his treble, but Nematov denied him with sharp saves in the 73rd and 74th minutes. The 41-year-old was eventually substituted to a standing ovation, his job done and his legacy further cemented.

Substitute Rafael Leao wrapped up the emphatic victory in the 87th minute, unleashing a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner to make it 5-0. The win moved Portugal to four points in Group K, securing their place in the Round of 32 with a game to spare.

Ronaldo was named man of the match , and his performance served as a powerful reminder that even at 41, he remains a decisive force on the biggest stage of all. For Uzbekistan, the defeat means they are eliminated from the tournament after two consecutive losses.