Portugal’s skipper Cristiano Ronaldo continues to break world records as he became the first footballer to score at six different World Cups. Ronaldo, who could not bring his best in a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, was seen at his absolute best against Uzbekistan on Tuesday.
Ronaldo opened the scoring for his team as he found the back of the net in the sixth minute after a brilliant ball from Joao Cancelo. The experienced striker then scored his second of the day in the 39th minute after an assist from his former Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes.
Ronaldo said he keeps putting in the work to reap rewards and god has always blessed him.
“God helps those who work hard. I knew my teammates would help out too,” Ronaldo said after the game. “It was a difficult week, a dark week. It felt like I’d retired from soccer. But I hung in there, as I always do, because I believe in hard work more than anything else.
“It was tough, I have to admit, but we’re back.”
The brace from the Portugal captain, who was named man of the match, helped him become the first player to score in six different World Cups: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.
Furthermore, he is also now the second-oldest scorer in World Cup history (41 years, 138 days), behind Roger Milla in 1994 for Cameroon against Russia (42 years, 39 days).
Ronaldo said the team improved after their mundane performance in the opening game.
“We’ve improved; that’s just how life is. We face setbacks during games and in life, but the main goal is always to improve,” Ronaldo said. “And that’s what we did. It was a very tough and difficult week, with public opinion being very harsh on all the players, especially on me and the coach.
“But I don’t mind. I’ve been in this profession for 23 years now, and whenever things go well, Cristiano is doing great, but when they go badly, Cristiano is retired, he’s too old. It will always be like that.
“But we responded well today. That’s what we wanted. We played with a high line, and when we do that, it’s hard to stop Portugal.”
Portugal will face Colombia in their final group game in Miami Gardens on Saturday.
