Ronaldo hits record brace as Portugal rout Uzbekistan at World Cup

HOUSTON: Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 in their FIFA World Cup group match, a performance that followed criticism after the team’s opening 1-1 draw with DR Congo.

The 41-year-old opened the scoring in the sixth minute after reacting to a loose ball, becoming the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments. He added another before halftime, taking his World Cup total to 10 goals and moving past Eusebio as Portugal’s leading scorer in the competition.

The result marked a sharp turnaround from Portugal’s first match, in which Ronaldo had come under scrutiny after a subdued display against DR Congo. He had recorded the fewest touches of any Portugal player who was on the pitch for more than 45 minutes in that game.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez had defended keeping faith in Ronaldo after that draw, saying there was little point in taking off a player of his profile when goals were needed. After the win over Uzbekistan, Ronaldo said the team had responded to a difficult spell of criticism.

“I can say 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 after the match.

He added, "But well, it was a good response from me and my teammates, which is what we wanted."

Ronaldo also said, "I always arrive, even if it’s later, but I’m there."

Martinez praised his captain’s reaction after the earlier criticism. “I’ve never worked with a player that has got that capacity — that whatever happens today, tomorrow is going to be the hungriest player to improve.”

Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro also highlighted Ronaldo’s threat in front of goal, saying: "If you give one centimetre in the box, you are dead."

Ronaldo shouted into a television camera after his first goal: I’m back. I’m back. Portugal’s win put them on four points from two matches in Group K. Background reports said Colombia later beat DR Congo 1-0 to move top of the group with six points, two ahead of Portugal, setting up a meeting between Colombia and Portugal in Miami on Saturday. Uzbekistan, still without a point, are due to face DR Congo in Atlanta.