HOUSTON/GUADALAJARA/TORONTO/FOXBOROUGH, JUN 24 (AP/IANS): Cristiano Ronaldo silenced critics and etched his name deeper into football history as Portugal thrashed debutants Uzbekistan 5-0 in their Group K clash at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday. The 41-year-old forward, who had faced questions about his place in the starting lineup after a subdued performance in Portugal’s opening 1-1 draw with Congo, responded in emphatic fashion with two first-half goals that made him the first player ever to score in six different World Cup tournaments.
Ronaldo’s brace came in the sixth and 39th minutes, both finished with his trademark precision and celebrated with his iconic “SIUUU” roar. His first strike arrived after João Cancelo’s cross was expertly converted with his right foot, while the second was a clinical finish from Bruno Fernandes’ pass inside the near post. The double not only restored Portugal’s confidence but also reaffirmed Ronaldo’s enduring influence on the global stage.
Nuno Mendes had earlier doubled Portugal’s lead with a curling free kick in the 17th minute, while an Uzbekistan own goal in the 60th and Rafael Leão’s late strike in the 87th sealed the rout. Ronaldo narrowly missed a hat trick in stoppage time, but his performance was enough to earn him the man of the match award. Coach Roberto Martínez’s decision to persist with Ronaldo despite mounting criticism proved decisive. “The veterans calmed the group and kept negativity away,” Martínez said, praising the leadership shown by his captain. Ronaldo himself admitted the week had been difficult, with much of the criticism directed at him and his coach, but insisted the team’s unity had carried them through.
Uzbekistan, managed by Fabio Cannavaro, saw a potential equalizer from Azizjon Ganiev overturned by VAR for a foul in the buildup. Cannavaro accepted responsibility for the heavy defeat, acknowledging the steep learning curve for his side in their maiden World Cup campaign.
With the victory, Portugal moved to four points in Group K, setting up a decisive clash against Colombia in Miami on Saturday. Uzbekistan will face Congo in Atlanta, still searching for their first points.
Ronaldo’s record: 6 WC, 6 goalscoring campaigns
Cristiano Ronaldo’s double against Uzbekistan not only reignited Portugal’s campaign but also cemented his place in football’s pantheon. By scoring in his sixth consecutive World Cup, Ronaldo achieved a feat unmatched in the tournament’s history. His goals in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and now 2026 span two decades of excellence, underscoring his longevity and adaptability.
Already the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football, Ronaldo’s latest milestone adds to a career defined by breaking barriers. His brace against Uzbekistan took his World Cup tally to 10 goals, and his continued presence at age 41 defies conventional limits of elite performance. For Portugal, his leadership remains invaluable, both on and off the pitch.
Colombia punch knockout ticket after edging Congo
Colombia became the first team from Group K to secure passage to the Round of 32 after a gritty 1-0 win over Congo at Guadalajara Stadium on Wednesday. Daniel Muñoz’s second-half strike, his second of the tournament, proved the difference in a match dominated by Colombian pressure but defined by Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi’s heroics. Mpasi produced a string of saves to deny Jhon Arias, James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz, and Gustavo Puerta, keeping Congo in contention despite relentless waves of Colombian attacks. Muñoz thought he had scored earlier in the first half, only for his effort to be ruled offside. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 67th minute when substitute Jhon Córdoba’s hold-up play created space for Muñoz, whose deflected shot beat Mpasi.
Congo threatened sporadically, with Arthur Masuaku’s dangerous cross narrowly missing Yoane Wissa, but their inability to convert chances left them vulnerable. Díaz twice had goals disallowed for offside, underlining Colombia’s dominance despite the narrow scoreline.
The win gave Colombia six points from two matches, ensuring progression regardless of their final group game against Portugal. Congo, with one point, must beat Uzbekistan and hope other results favor them to advance.
Modric marks 200th cap as Croatia eliminate Panama
Croatia celebrated captain Luka Modric’s 200th international cap with a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama in Group L at Toronto Stadium, a result that simultaneously ended Panama’s hopes of progressing. Modric, who has now featured in 21 consecutive World Cup matches since 2006, was the emotional centerpiece of Croatia’s triumph.
Panama started brightly, nearly scoring in the 23rd minute when Dominik Livakovic tipped José Luis Rodríguez’s header onto the crossbar. Croatia grew into the game after halftime, and substitute Ante Budimir broke the deadlock in the 54th minute, sliding in Josip Stanišic’s low cross at the far post. Marco Pašalic missed a golden chance to double the lead moments later, denied by goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera before firing the rebound over. Panama continued to press but found Livakovic in inspired form, thwarting multiple attempts to equalize.
The victory gave Croatia their first points of the tournament, keeping their knockout hopes alive ahead of their final group match against Ghana. For Modric, the milestone cap was marked in fitting fashion, with his teammates celebrating alongside him at full time.
Resolute Ghana frustrate England with Group L stalemate
Ghana produced a disciplined defensive performance to hold England to a goalless draw in Foxborough, ensuring both teams remain in strong positions to qualify from Group L. The African side’s resilience blunted England’s attacking arsenal, leaving the European giants frustrated despite dominating possession.
England’s early chances included Declan Rice’s free kick over the bar and Jude Bellingham’s blocked effort. Harry Kane was denied multiple times by Ghana’s defense, while Anthony Gordon and Elliot Anderson also saw efforts repelled by goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. Substitute Bukayo Saka headed over late on, and Marc Guehi’s stoppage-time header was cleared off the line, epitomizing England’s struggles.
Ghana nearly stole victory in the closing stages when Abdul Fatawu broke through on goal, only for Ezri Konsa and Antoine Semenyo to combine to block his attempts. The match’s intensity was punctuated by hydration breaks, which disrupted England’s momentum at key moments.
The draw left both sides on two points, occupying the top two spots in Group L. With final fixtures against Panama (for England) and Croatia (for Ghana), a point apiece will be enough to secure progression to the Round of 32.