Ronaldo's return day

Set records

Old Man" Cristiano Ronaldo will fight for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot title? Maybe not, but with 2 goals against Uzbekistan, Ronaldo established a new peak for himself in the legendary temple - becoming the first player to score in 6 World Cups.

This means that Portuguese fans traveling long distances - and also tourists going to watch football just because of CR7 - have achieved what they wanted. They also witnessed Ronaldo's poor performance streak - 10 matches without scoring in major tournaments - being stopped.

Ronaldo once again wrote history, bringing relief to coach Roberto Martinez after a week of facing much criticism. "Nothing appreciates your career better than perseverance," Martinez said.

However, the revival against a weaker opponent is not enough to erase all doubts. A bigger challenge is waiting for Portugal, possibly the confrontation with Lionel Messi and Argentina in the quarter-finals. At that time, the question about Ronaldo's ability to shine in key matches still needs an answer.

However, Ronaldo's half-volley opening shot was one of the most dramatic and surprising moments of the tournament. No one really expected him to quietly leave the field. Before that, he was a bit off guard after Nuno Mendes' cross, gesturing to a small distance, but there was no error from Joao Cancelo's pass effort. A decisive finish from a distance of more than 5 meters and then running straight towards the technical area, hugged tightly by almost all members of Portugal.

I'm back

The goal activated about 60,000 phone cameras from spectators (if not counting Uzbekistan fans) and immediately after that, his loyal fans had more reason to wait. They unanimously chanted his name full of expectation after Portugal had a free kick right near the penalty area. Puffy cheeks, tight shoulders, standard back steps, Ronaldo arranged the situation according to his habit, but gave way to Mendes who rushed up and unleashed a free kick to beat goalkeeper Abduvokhid Nematov.

It turned out this was really a team sport. "I told Nuno: "Scam the goalkeeper, he will think I'm the shooter" - Ronaldo shared. Uzbekistan easily fell into the trap, and then they continued to succumb to the "mastermind". This time, the scenario was clearly staged - Bruno Fernandes took advantage of the wide space, through balls for Ronaldo to finish diagonally neatly.

There is no fairy tale for Uzbekistan to ruin CR7's happy day. Clearly, finding a third goal to bring the matched ball home as a souvenir for the captain was Portugal's top priority in the second half. Although there was no third goal, it was not important. Rafael Leao's shot into the roof of the net was the goal that sealed the score, but Ronaldo, who shouted loudly "I'm back" in front of the camera lens, was the one who created the loudest sound.

God always helps those who work hard" - Ronaldo said, "It was a difficult and dark week. But I still persevere as I always do" - Ronaldo affirmed.