Cristiano Ronaldo scores twice to make World Cup history as Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0

TEXAS: Cristiano Ronaldo, who walked off the field in tears after failing to get a touch on the ball in Portugal’s opening match, created history at the World Cup yesterday with two stunning goals. Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan also strengthened their chances of reaching the knockout stage.

Ronaldo scored his first goal in the sixth minute from a pass by João Cancelo. In the 17th minute, a free-kick that was expected to be taken by Ronaldo was surprisingly converted by Nuno Mendes, who found the back of the net.

Ronaldo scored his second goal in the 39th minute after receiving a pass from Bruno Fernandes. Portugal’s fourth goal came in the second half after the ball deflected off the Uzbekistan goalkeeper during a crowded situation near the goal. Rafael Leão scored Portugal’s fifth goal in the 87th minute.

With this performance, Ronaldo became the first player to score in six consecutive World Cups. He was Portugal’s youngest World Cup scorer during his debut tournament in 2006, and yesterday, at the age of 41, he also became the country’s oldest-ever World Cup goalscorer.