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Ronaldo becomes first player to score in six World Cups with two goals against Uzbekistan - AP News
From Associated Press via USVI News: Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments by getting two goals in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. The 41-year-old Ronaldo made history in the sixth minute when João Cancelo crossed it to him and he shot with.
Ronaldo becomes first player to score in six World Cups with two goals against Uzbekistan
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, right, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Karen Warren)
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) celebrates after scoring the opening goal of his team during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
HOUSTON (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo had a simple but strong message as the final whistle sounded after Portugal’s big win at the World Cup on Tuesday.
“I’m back,” he said directly into the television camera. “I’m back.”
Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments by getting two goals in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, quieting critics after his forgettable performance in the team’s 1-1 draw with Congo in the opener.
Even though criticism isn’t anything new to the 41-year-old superstar, he admitted that the intense negativity directed toward him this week was difficult.
“But it’s always like that,” he said in Portuguese. “It doesn’t matter, because it’s been 23 years on the job and when things go well, ’Cristiano is good,’ when things go bad, ‘Cristiano is a retired player, is old.’ It will always be like that. But we responded well today, me and my teammates, which is what we wanted.”
Ronaldo made history in the sixth minute when João Cancelo crossed the ball to him and he shot with his right foot to make it 1-0. He ran toward the bench and celebrated with his teammates.
He added another in the 39th minute when he got a pass from Bruno Fernandes and scored with his right foot just inside the near post to make it 3-0.
“As a defender you need to be ready and you need to be close to him in the box,” said Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro, a standout defender in his playing days who led Italy to the 2006 World Cup title. “If you give him one centimeter in the box you are dead.”
Ronaldo was named man of the match for his performance, the latest of many in his incredible career.
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