Cristiano Ronaldo silences critics to become first player to score in 6 World Cups

Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics by becoming the first player to score in six World Cups. Ronaldo did just that when he opened the scoring for Portugal in their Group K match against Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday 23 June.

PORTUGAL VS UZBEKISTAN UPDATE

Ronaldo was heavily criticized by pundits after Portugal’s opening draw against DR Congo at the World Cup. Thierry Henry slammed Ronaldo for being selfish in the first legpointing to a sequence where the Portuguese superstar moves into position to shoot with the ball behind him.

Interestingly, Ronaldo opened Portugal’s scoring with the same move and replica of the same shot, this time heading the ball into the net. Ronaldo was in the perfect position when Joo Cancelo hit a pinpoint cross. The seasoned striker faced it for the first time and fired a powerful shot beyond the goalkeeper, who had no chance to react.

This gave Ronaldo a record after scoring in 2006. He also became Portugal’s youngest and oldest player to score at the World Cup.

Ronaldo then played a part in Portugal’s second goal when he acted as a decoy for Nuno Mendes’ free kick. The Portuguese superstar then completed the brace when he pounced on a delicious through ball from Bruno Fernandes and slotted it past the Uzbek goalkeeper.

RONALDO’S WORLD CUPS STATISTICS

2006

Goals: 1

Assists: 0

Minutes played: 482

2010

Goals: 1

Assist: 1

Minutes played: 360

2014

Goals: 1

Assist: 1

Minutes played: 270

2018

Goals: 4

Assists: 0

Minutes played: 360

2022

Goals: 1

Assists: 0

Minutes played: 290

2026*

Goals: 2

Assists: 0

Minutes played: 95 and counting

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Published on:

23 Jun 2026 23:52 IST