Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal produced a commanding display to thrash Uzbekistan 5-0 in their World Cup 2026 Group K clash in Houston, boosting their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
Needing a response after a disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opening match, Roberto Martínez’s side took control from the outset and never allowed the tournament debutants a route back into the contest. Ronaldo opened the scoring inside six minutes before Nuno Mendes doubled Portugal’s advantage in the first half.
The veteran forward struck again before the interval to put Portugal firmly in command and silence critics who had questioned his influence following the draw with DR Congo. His first goal also saw him become the first player in football history to score at six different World Cup finals.
Portugal’s dominance continued after the break as an own goal by Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov further extended the lead before Rafael Leão completed the rout with a late fifth goal.
Despite the heavy defeat, Uzbekistan showed flashes of attacking intent and briefly believed they had found the net during the first half. However, a VAR review ruled out the effort, leaving Fabio Cannavaro’s side frustrated as they searched for a foothold in the match.
Portugal controlled possession for long periods, with Bruno Fernandes, Mendes and Ronaldo orchestrating the attacking play as the Europeans repeatedly exposed gaps in the Uzbek defence. While Uzbekistan created occasional openings, they lacked the finishing quality required to trouble Portugal seriously.
The victory moved Portugal to the top of Group K and placed them in a strong position ahead of their final group match against Colombia.
For Uzbekistan, the loss left them without a point from their opening two matches and on the brink of elimination from their first ever World Cup campaign. Their fate could be sealed depending on the outcome of the later Group K fixture between Colombia and DR Congo.
Portugal’s emphatic response to their opening setback reaffirmed their status as one of the tournament’s contenders, while Ronaldo once again demonstrated his enduring impact on the biggest stage in world football.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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