Ronaldo played superbly. He was also the center of his teammates' celebrations. AFP
Portugal 5–0 Uzbekistan (Full Time)
The only thing Ronaldo missed out on was a hat-trick!
That was the only regret for Portugal in this match. It wasn’t that he didn’t get the chance for a hat-trick; he had multiple opportunities.
Ronaldo scored in the 6th and 39th minutes. The other two goals for Portugal came from Rafael Leão (87th minute) and Nuno Mendes (17th minute).
Uzbekistan defender Nematov scored an own goal in the 60th minute.
This match was a chance for Ronaldo to bounce back. The legend had been very lackluster in Portugal’s 1–1 draw against DR Congo, facing a barrage of criticism from all sides. He delivered a brilliant response with his brace!
00:51
‘Five-star’ Portugal
Goal!
Portugal 5–0 Uzbekistan
In the 87th minute, Rafael Leão took a right-footed shot from an unmarked position inside the box. The ball curled into the Uzbekistan net.
Ronaldo was standing just ahead of him. Instead of passing to him, Leão finished the move himself.
A fine finish.
00:39
Uzbek goalkeeper denies Ronaldo’s shot
It was the 75th minute of the match.
A shot by Ronaldo deflected off Uzbek goalkeeper Nematov but stayed within the box; Ronaldo recovered the ball, beat a defender, and fired a left-footed shot. Nematov made a brilliant save. Otherwise, Ronaldo would have completed his hat-trick!
00:27
Goal! Portugal 4–0 Uzbekistan
Who scored the goal?
It’s hard to tell even after watching the video replay! In the 60th minute, following a corner kick, the ball found the net after deflecting off both Ronaldo and an Uzbekistan defender amidst a scramble in the box. An own goal for Uzbekistan!
An own goal by goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov.
Portugal is hungry for more goals! The style of play suggests as much.
00:22
Ronaldo breaks Messi’s record
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace against Uzbekistan at the age of 41 years and 138 days. He set the record for the oldest player to score two goals in a single World Cup match.
Messi previously held this record; he was 38 years and 363 days old when he scored a brace against Austria just last night.
