Ronaldo’s historic double lifts Portugal toward knockouts

Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a record‑breaking performance as Portugal swept aside Uzbekistan 5‑0 to move within touching distance of the Round of 32. After a frustrating 1-1 draw with DR Congo sparked criticism of Roberto Martínez’s team and renewed debate over Ronaldo’s starting role, the captain responded with a decisive display that silenced doubts.

The forward opened the scoring by meeting João Cancelo’s precise cross at the near post, becoming the first player ever to score in six different World Cup editions. Moments later, Nuno Mendes doubled the lead with a fierce free‑kick that wrong‑footed the defence. Ronaldo struck again before half‑time, finishing a rapid counter‑attack to surpass Eusébio as Portugal’s all‑time top World Cup scorer.

Uzbekistan’s Nematov then turned the ball into his own net, before Rafael Leão completed the rout with a powerful late strike. Portugal now face Colombia on June 28 with qualification firmly in sight.