![\"Portugal's](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131951360\/portugals-ronaldo-and-englands-kane-are-day-13-focus-of-world-cup-and-other-highlights-in-photos.jpg\" "\\"Portugal's")
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Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) celebrates after scoring the opening goal of his team during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Bruno Fernandes collected possession in midfield and threaded a precise pass through Uzbekistan’s defensive line. Ronaldo anticipated the move instantly, beat the offside trap and calmly slotted a low finish into the corner to make it 3-0.The strike moved him onto 10 World Cup goals for Portugal, allowing him to surpass Eus\u00e9bio’s long-standing national record of nine goals, a mark that had stood untouched since the legendary forward’s iconic 1966 campaign in England.Nuno Mendes had earlier doubled Portugal’s advantage after Ronaldo cleverly acted as a decoy during a free-kick routine, while an own goal and a late finish from Rafael Le\u00e3o completed the rout.<\/p>\n“They said I should retire”<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo admitted the past week had been difficult.“It was a difficult, dark week. It felt like I was already retired from football. But I held on, like I always do, because I believe in work more than anything else.”The comments reflected not only the criticism surrounding his display against DR Congo but also speculation about alleged tensions within the Portugal camp.Ronaldo dismissed any suggestion that the squad had fractured.“I knew my teammates were going to help me too. It was difficult, I have to admit, but we’re back. I’m very happy.”He also addressed the criticism directly.“They said I should retire\u2026 but I am here.”“The noise from outside is always like this, but we can\u2019t control it. We keep going and we are united.”<\/p>\nMore records on another historic night<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Beyond Portugal’s victory, Ronaldo left the stadium with several new achievements attached to his name.His opening goal made him the first footballer ever to score in six different World Cups. At 41 years and 138 days old, he also became the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history behind Cameroon’s Roger Milla, while extending his career tally to an astonishing 975 goals for club and country.When asked about yet another record-breaking night, Ronaldo attempted to shift attention back towards the team.“Records are always nice to break, but my goal is to help the national team achieve its objectives. The most important thing was the team’s work and the confidence we had.”<\/p>\nMessi question brings different response<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Ronaldo showed little interest in discussing Lionel Messi after the match.When a reporter began asking about Messi’s recent achievements, he cut the question short and pointed to another journalist instead. Later, he warned: “That depends on the question, otherwise I won’t answer you.”The only time he briefly addressed the topic was when asked about a potential meeting with Argentina.“I don’t know what to answer. It’s a question that doesn’t make much sense. But, well, it would be top.”For now, Portugal’s focus shifts towards a decisive final Group K meeting with Colombia. Victory would secure top spot in the group and complete a remarkable turnaround from the frustration that followed the opening draw against DR Congo.<\/div>\n
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![\"\u2018So](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-131951841,imgsize-99098,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/aptopix-uzbekistan-portugal-wcup-soccer.jpg\" "\\"Portugal's")
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