After Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland’s standout performances, it is now the turn of Cristiano Ronaldo, who helped Portugal thrash Uzbekistan 5-0 in their Group K FIFA World Cup match.
Ronaldo opened the scoring from close range in the sixth minute following João Cancelo’s cross. With this goal, the 41-year-old striker became the first player to score in six World Cups. The Portuguese superstar also became the second-oldest scorer in tournament history, behind Cameroon’s Roger Milla.
Nuno Mendes’s stunning free-kick in the 17th minute gave Portugal a 2-0 lead, and Ronaldo completed his brace in the 39th minute.
Portugal looked invincible in the second half as well and made it 4-0 thanks to an unfortunate own goal from Nematov.
Rafa Leão wrapped up the victory in the 87th minute.
Ronaldo was adjudged the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match for his brilliant brace.
Meanwhile, Colombia reached the knockout stage of the tournament by beating the Congo DR at the Guadalajara Stadium.
Daniel Muñoz netted the only goal of the match in the second half.
In Group L, Ante Budimir’s only goal helped Croatia beat Panama 1-0 at the Toronto Stadium. With this loss, Panama were eliminated from the tournament.
Other result: Group L: England 0, Ghana 0
