Cristiano Ronaldo responded with a double and gave Portugal victory in the 2026 World Cup
Houston Stadium was the scene of the duel between Portugal and Uzbekistan. Cristiano Rolando commanded the 5-0 win against Fabio Cannavaro's team
For the second date of Group K, Portugal faced Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium. With a double from Cristiano Ronaldo, one from Nuno Mendes, an own goal from Abduvohid Nematov and a goal from Rafael Leão, the Portuguese team won 5-0. Portugal took the three points and takes a breather in the group. Cristiano Ronaldo entered history as the only player to have managed to score goals in six World Cups.
Portugal's starting once: Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha; Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, João Félix; Cristiano Ronaldo.
Once initial de Uzbekistan: Abduvahid Nematov; Abdukodir Khusanov, Abdulla Abdullaev, Rustamjon Ashurmatov; Behruzjon Karimov, Odiljon Hamrobekov, Otabek Shukurov, Sherzod Nasrullaev; Abbasbek Faizullaev, Azizjon Ganiev; Eldor Shomurodov.
Cristiano Ronaldo's first goal came in the first five minutes of the match. CR7 had already warned after a couple of clearances inside the area. The right side was the most dangerous for Portugal. A cross from João Cancelo created a lot of danger for a passive Uzbekistan defense. Ronaldo, with a shot from his right foot, scored the first goal of the game.
In the 15th minute of the match, Portugal had a direct free kick right on the edge of the area. For the finishing touch there were Nuno Mendes and Cristiano Ronaldo. It was evident that the profile favored a left-handed player much more. However, in the presence of CR7, Uzbekistan preferred to “disturb” a hypothetical shot by the Al Nassr footballer. This opened the space for Mendes. Abduvohid Nematov was also surprised by Ronaldo's "generosity" in collecting. Mendes scored 2-0 for Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo's goal is also part of a record. The former Real Madrid striker became the first footballer to score goals in six World Cup editions. Since Germany 2006, CR7 has been able to convert.
In the 29th minute Uzbekistan managed to score a goal. Joao Cancelo got complicated at the start, the loose ball was left to Azizjon Ganiev and he achieved a great shot that easily beat Diogo Costa. However, the main judge had to assist the VAR to corroborate the play. At the start, Abbosbek Fayzullaev stole the ball with an infringement on Cancelo. The goal was disallowed.
In the 38th minute came Cristiano Ronaldo's double. A ball recovered in the Portugal area allowed Bruno Fernandes to leave with time and space. Cristiano Ronaldo marked the pass for him. The All Nassr forward showed that he still has some speed left and, before the goalkeeper's timid exit, CR7 kicked the ball tight to the far post. Portugal snuffed out any attempt at Uzbekistan's response in the first half.
Cristiano Ronaldo came close to sealing his hat trick in the first half. Before the break, a good overflow by Joao Cancelo left Portugal with numerical superiority in attack. Cancelo enabled Cristiano Ronaldo, but this time Abduvohid Nematov came out of his area much better. This forced CR7 to chip the ball, but defender Rustam Ashurmatov saved the goal on the line.
Second time in Houston
Portugal came out ready to finish the game. After a prepared play that almost ended in a goal by Cristiano Ronaldo, the outcome of that play was a corner that ended in Portugal's fourth goal before 60 minutes of the match.
A very well-rehearsed play was executed with a mid-height corner kick to the near post. Joao Félix made a block that complicated the Uzbekistan defense. Abdukodir Khusanov did not have enough reflexes to take the ball out of the area. The center back put the ball into his goal.
Uzbekistan's defense did not live up to the commitment. Portugal had total control of the match. The goals only depended on the rhythm that Roberto Martínez's team wanted to impose. With ten minutes remaining, the Portuguese team maintained more than 65% possession of the ball. The Portuguese managed to make up to 12 total shots.
Rafael Leão entered the 82nd minute. After 5 minutes on the court, the AC Milan striker found himself with a ball inside the area after a rebound from the Uzbekistan defense. Leão made it 5-0 with a powerful shot over Abduvohid Nematov's goal. The Portuguese full-backs were the main offensive card for Roberto Martínez's team.
Portugal recovers from its draw on the first day with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Waiting for what Colombia does in its match, Portugal leads Group K with four points.

