Image: from El Heraldo de Chiapas X @ElHeraldodeChis
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Portugal moved a step closer to the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan on Monday, inspired by a brilliant performance from Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored twice and made history once again.
The win gives Portugal four points in Group K following their opening draw against DR Congo, while Uzbekistan remains without a point after two matches.
Ronaldo’s brace not only helped secure Portugal’s first victory of the tournament but also saw the veteran forward surpass legendary striker Eusébio in World Cup scoring records. The Portuguese captain reached ten World Cup goals and became the first player in football history to score in six different World Cup tournaments.
Portugal Take Control Early
Needing a positive response after their frustrating 1-1 draw against DR Congo, Roberto Martínez’s side started aggressively and dominated possession from the opening whistle.
Portugal’s midfield trio of Vitinha, João Neves, and Bruno Fernandes dictated the tempo, while João Félix, brought into the starting lineup in place of Bernardo Silva, added creativity between the lines.
The pressure eventually paid off when Ronaldo opened the scoring, finishing calmly after a flowing attacking move to give Portugal a deserved lead.
Uzbekistan struggled to cope with Portugal’s movement and technical quality, and the European side continued to create opportunities throughout the first half.
Ronaldo Rewrites History
The second half brought even more Portuguese dominance.
Ronaldo doubled his tally with another clinical finish, reaching a remarkable milestone that further strengthened his place among football’s greatest players. His second goal took him beyond Eusébio’s World Cup scoring record and into double figures on the sport’s biggest stage.
The 41-year-old forward also became the first footballer ever to score in six separate World Cup editions, adding another chapter to an extraordinary international career.
Portugal’s attacking momentum never slowed, with João Félix playing a key role in several dangerous moves and Bruno Fernandes continuing to orchestrate attacks from midfield.
Portugal Cruise to Victory
With Uzbekistan increasingly stretched, Portugal added three more goals to complete a commanding victory.
The Portuguese defense, led by Rúben Dias and Renato Veiga, comfortably contained the Uzbek attack, allowing goalkeeper Diogo Costa to enjoy a relatively quiet evening.
Roberto Martínez also benefited from strong performances across the pitch as Portugal demonstrated the depth and quality expected from one of the tournament’s leading contenders.
The five-goal triumph significantly boosts Portugal’s confidence ahead of their final group-stage fixture and places them in a strong position to secure qualification for the Round of 32.
Knockout Stage Within Reach
After collecting four points from their opening two matches, Portugal now controls their destiny in Group K and needs only a positive result in their final game to guarantee progression.
For Uzbekistan, the defeat leaves qualification hopes hanging by a thread, with the Central Asian side needing a remarkable turnaround in their final group match.
As for Ronaldo, another historic night has once again highlighted his enduring influence. Nearly two decades after his first World Cup appearance, the Portuguese icon continues to break records and deliver on football’s biggest stage.