Ronaldo scores, and sets up another as Portugal scores 2 against Uzbekistan

Finally, Cristiano Ronaldo had his moment at the FIFA World Cup 2026, scoring the opening goal for Portugal in their Group K clash as they lead by 2 goals against Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium.

Ronaldo's goal came amid Portugal's relentless dominance. The move began on the right wing, with Joao Cancelo carrying the ball along the right edge of the penalty area before chipping in a cross. Ronaldo, waiting inside the box, swung his right leg and guided the ball into the net.

His ninth World Cup goal earned him another record, making him the first player to score in six consecutive World Cups.

And this Portugal side looked nothing like the one that laboured to a draw against DR Congo in their opening match. They proved a constant menace to the Uzbekistan backline from the outset. For much of the game, the ball remained in the Uzbek half as Portugal launched wave after wave of attacks, steadily increasing the pressure.

After the first goal, the second came in the 17th minute. Portugal won a free-kick just outside the penalty area. Ronaldo stood over the ball with Nuno Mendes by his side. Everyone expected Ronaldo to take it, but the PSG defender stepped up instead and made no mistake. It looked like a move rehearsed straight from the training ground.

Even before the goals, it had been one-way traffic. By the 20th minute, Portugal had registered five attempts on goal, with two on target. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, had yet to muster a single effort.

In the second minute, Bruno Fernandes produced Portugal's first big chance. His effort on goal was deflected over the crossbar.

Soon after, Nuno Mendes surged down the left flank and whipped a dangerous cross into the box, where Ronaldo was charging in. The veteran forward missed connecting with the ball by inches and smashed the ground in frustration after failing to make significant contact.

Last week, Portugal were held to a disappointing draw by DR Congo in their opening fixture, struggling to create meaningful chances despite enjoying large spells of possession. Credit must go to the Congolese defence, which kept Ronaldo under tight surveillance and limited Portugal's attacking threat.

Lineup

Portugal: Diogo Costa, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto.

Uzbekistan: Abduvohid Nematov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rustam Ashurmatov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Abdulla Abdullaev, Behruzjon Karimov, Otabek Shukurov, Odiljon Xamrobekov, Azizjon Ganiev, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Eldor Shomurodov.