Cristiano Ronaldo’s name comes up again.
The light that illuminated the Portuguese icon threatened to go out, leaving him in complete darkness. But during his two hours in Houston, Ronaldo made a liftoff to prove he can still get out of this world.
From almost scoring the final score, he had a chance to win the gold medal given to the highest scorer of the tournament. He is holding up two fingers and reminding his critics that he is one of the true superstars of this World Cup.
It’s a World Cup where he will be welcomed back with open arms. Because he was finally able to join in on the same fun that his main rivals and other greats are enjoying here in North America.
Roberto Martinez made two changes, but they weren’t the major ones that critics were looking for. And we relive how he stood firm. Ruben Dias returned, but Bernardo Silva was left out and Chelsea’s Joao Félix was appointed. However, the untouchable Ronaldo continued to lead Portugal’s attack.
And with the match in a headline he hadn’t planned for, he was under more pressure than ever before.
Since the draw against African fringe DR Congo, Portugal’s camp has been flooded with controversy and confusion. A line on social media between WAGS. Claims and counterclaims. Candid interviews and excessive rumors suggested that Martinez and his team were in crisis.
The group of individuals split down the middle – most famously over the expense.
Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey also weighed in. For that reason, the arrival of the second group match in Houston must have felt like a relief. However, it was a must-win match for Portugal.
And in an ideal world, Ronaldo would remind the critics that he can still do what the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland have done: showcase his talent on the biggest stage.
It took less than six minutes for him to respond emphatically. Joao Cancelo burst through from the right, took out his captain and fired an unstoppable finish into the bottom corner. He went straight to the bench to celebrate with the whole team. He became the first player to score in six World Cups.
Portugal was heating up. It was as if all the tension had melted away in a magical moment. Ronaldo then pretended to take a free kick, confusing Abduvohid Nematov, who was brought down by Nuno Mendes, doubling Portugal’s lead. Portugal smelled like blood. Uzbekistan needed to smell the salt.
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) celebrates with Portugal’s Spanish head coach Roberto Martinez (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The rift in the class was embarrassing. Ronaldo just couldn’t make the most of it.
He did just that before half-time, running into the path of Bruno Fernandes and finishing brilliantly into the far corner. This was the first time Portugal had scored three goals before half-time in a World Cup match. The game is already over.
Ronaldo was denied a hat-trick three times as the onslaught continued, but an own goal from Abdukkodir Kusanov and a goal from Rafa Leao dealt further damage to Fabio Cannavaro’s side.
However, Ronaldo couldn’t wipe the smile from his face as he told the cameras: “I’m back.”
Having left his mark on history, he went on to write a few more works to add even smaller layers to his legacy.
Sign up now for the Make Football Great Again newsletter and get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox!
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
England’s 2026 World Cup kit
Various prices
kit bag
Buy now at Kitbag
England and Nike have launched new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. Use code DEAL to receive free shipping on all orders.
