Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Portugal produced a dominant display to crush Uzbekistan 5-0 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match at Houston Stadium, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the charge by scoring twice.
The emphatic victory strengthened Portugal’s chances of advancing to the Round of 32. After two matches, Portugal now have four points and sit at the top of their group. Alongside Ronaldo’s brace, Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leão added a goal each, while Uzbekistan goalkeeper Nematov scored an unfortunate own goal.
Portugal made a flying start to the contest, taking the lead in just the sixth minute when Ronaldo found the back of the net. The goal also marked a historic milestone, making Ronaldo the first player in football history to score in six different FIFA World Cups.
The European side doubled their advantage in the 17th minute through Nuno Mendes, who capitalized on a free-kick opportunity to make it 2-0. Uzbekistan thought they had pulled one back in the 29th minute when Azizjon Ganiev scored, but the effort was ruled out for a foul.
Ronaldo struck again in the 39th minute to score his second goal of the match and Portugal’s third, giving his team a comfortable 3-0 lead heading into halftime.
Portugal continued to dominate after the break. Uzbekistan’s goalkeeper Nematov accidentally turned the ball into his own net, extending Portugal’s lead to 4-0.
Rafael Leão completed the rout in the 87th minute, scoring Portugal’s fifth goal and sealing an impressive victory.
