Cristiano Ronaldo once again proves why he is still the number one choice in Portugal's attack. In the 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Group K of the 2026 World Cup, the 41-year-old superstar scored 2 goals to approach the leading group in the top scorer race including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.
Immediately after the final whistle, Ronaldo turned to the camera and shouted loudly: "I'm back!". It was not only an emotional celebration, but also a response to the suspicions surrounding him after a long period of silence in major tournaments.
Before the match against Uzbekistan, Ronaldo had gone through 10 consecutive matches without scoring at the World Cup and EURO. The draw with the DRC in the opening match further intensified the controversy about his role in the Portuguese squad.
However, coach Roberto Martinez has never lost faith. The Spanish coach continuously defended his student, emphasizing that Ronaldo's movements still create space and bring great tactical value to the whole team.
It's a matter of timing. Ronaldo's movements are the best movements of a striker in the penalty area, and this time the ball went into the net. But the best thing is that he continues to create opportunities in every match" - Martinez said.
That belief was rewarded just 6 minutes after the ball rolled in Houston. CR7 escaped the marking of the opponent's defender, received a pass from Joao Cancelo and then finished close range to open the score.
That was a goal imbued with Ronaldo's brand - simple, effective and clearly showing the goal-scoring instinct.
Before the enthusiastic cheers of tens of thousands of spectators, the Al-Nassr striker continued to shine in the 39th minute with a cross-the-line finish after a pass from Bruno Fernandes.
2 goals helped Ronaldo close a perfect evening. He touched the ball 34 times, launched 7 shots, including 5 shots on target and achieved an expected goal score (xG) of 1.33.
More importantly, this double helps Ronaldo end his prolonged goalless streak in major tournaments, while strengthening the belief that he is still capable of making a difference in the top playground.
Not many players can maintain the desire and scoring efficiency at the age of 41 like Ronaldo. He is currently the only player in history to score in six different World Cups and continues to extend his collection of unprecedented milestones.
The match against Colombia in the last round of the group stage will be a much more difficult test for Portugal. But at least at this time, Ronaldo has done what he wanted most. That is to make all doubts "silent" with goals.
The match against Uzbekistan did not bring anything new in terms of tactics. The idea of controlling the ball, reacting quickly when losing the ball, defending quickly, today we continued to maintain that intensity until the end of the match. We are this team, we have this spirit" - the Portuguese captain added.
