Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 on Tuesday, days after a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in its opening match of the FIFA World Cup.
The 41-year-old entered the match after facing criticism following Portugal’s draw with DR Congo. Against Uzbekistan, Ronaldo scored in the sixth and 39th minutes as Portugal moved to the top of Group K.
Ronaldo opened the scoring when he met a low cross from João Cancelo and directed it past Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov.
He added a second goal before halftime after receiving a through ball from Bruno Fernandes, helping Portugal build a commanding lead.
Portugal extended the advantage through Nuno Mendes, while an own goal by Uzbekistan and a late strike from Rafael Leão completed the scoring.
After the final whistle, Ronaldo shouted “I’m back! I’m back!” into a television camera.
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo acknowledged the criticism that followed Portugal’s opening draw.
“It was a very tough week, a difficult week, a week in which public opinion was very harsh on us, on all the players, especially on the coach,” Ronaldo said.
The Portugal captain added that he has spent 23 years as a professional and has become accustomed to criticism whenever results do not go his team’s way, including suggestions that he is too old or nearing the end of his career.
Portugal moved to four points in Group K with the victory and will face Colombia in its final group-stage match on June 27.
