Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice in Portugal's emphatic 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan at the FIFA World Cup 2026, delivering a pointed response to the critics who had written him off after a goalless opening group match.

The 41-year-old had endured a barren run of 10 consecutive matches without a goal in major international competition heading into the tournament. His blank against DR Congo in Portugal's opener intensified calls for manager Roberto Martinez to drop him from the starting lineup. On Tuesday in Houston, Ronaldo answered with authority — and was named man of the match.