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Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace to become the first player to score in six different World Cups, leading Portugal to a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Houston. The win revived Portugal's campaign after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Congo in their opener.
Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 6th minute, tapping in João Cancelo's cross Source: Associated Press via Japan Today. Nuno Mendes doubled the lead with a surprising free-kick in the 17th minute, after Ronaldo feigned taking it Source: ABC España. Ronaldo added his second in the 39th minute, finishing a pass from Bruno Fernandes to make it 3-0 at halftime Source: Euronews English. An own goal by Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov in the 60th minute and a late strike from Rafael Leão in the 87th sealed the rout Source: El Caribe.
After the match, Ronaldo admitted the week had been difficult: "It was a dark week. I felt I was already retired from football, but we have returned" Source: Excélsior. He added, "I am back," directly to the camera Source: CNA. Coach Roberto Martínez defended his decision to keep Ronaldo in the lineup, saying the team showed "great flexibility and individual quality" Source: Infobae.
Portugal now has four points in Group K and faces Colombia on June 27 in Miami, a match that will decide the group winner Source: Clarín. Martínez praised Colombia's individual talent, stating, "We respect Colombia. We will give everything against them" Source: Infobae. Uzbekistan, still winless, will play Congo.
“Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals to help Portugal roll to a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan at the World Cup on Tuesday...The 41-year-old Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments with his goals.”
“It was Ronaldo's day, and he rolled in a third for Portugal with only the goalkeeper to beat with a smart, controlled finish.”
“Fue una semana difícil, una semana oscura. Sentía que ya estaba retirado del futbol, pero aguanté como siempre porque creo en el trabajo duro más que en el futbol.”
“"Sobre Colombia, no voy a descubrir ahora el gran talento individual que tienen...Respetamos a Colombia. Vamos a dar todo contra Colombia."”
“Impensable tiempo atrás ver a Cristiano 'regalar' una oportunidad así a un compañero. Quizás por eso se la zampó Nematov, que como el resto de mortales pensó que dispararía Ronaldo.”
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