The ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 continued with Portugal taking on Uzbekistan. The two sides met at the Houston Stadium on June 23, and the game saw Portugal take the lead early in the game. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the first goal for Portugal in the game.ย
Doing so, Ronaldo became the first player in history to score in six different editions of the FIFA World Cup. He scored the first World Cup goal back in 2006 and continued the tradition and maintained consistency throughout his career and has propelled Portugal to a brilliant start against Uzbekistan.ย
Furthermore, Ronaldo also surpassed the record of Portugal legend Eusรฉbio as he completed his brace against Uzbekistan and scored his 10th goal for the side in FIFA World Cup history.
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Roberto Martinez gave his take on Ronaldoโs woes ahead of Uzbekistan clash
Speaking before the clash against Uzbekistan, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez had come forward and talked about the situation around Cristiano Ronaldo. After the draw against DR Congo, there was heavy criticism around Portugalโs performance. However, the sideโs head coach, Roberto Martinez, came forward and talked about how Ronaldo reacted as the captain.ย
“We’re more united, we’re stronger. We’re playing a World Cup, of course there’s a lot of noise, a lot of tension, it’s part of the game. Our focus is on the team. We’re more united than before we arrived. There’s no tension. He’s an example, as a captain. And he’s reacted as a captain, with a lot of experience. He wants to contribute, and he’s a role model for our team. He opens up spaces with his movements. The numbers support him,โ Martinez said via GOAL.ย
Leading 3-0 at half-time, it could be interesting to see how Cristiano Ronaldo fares in the second half of the clash. The veteran forward will be in search of his hat-trick here and what would be his 11th World Cup. He is currently eight goals behind Lionel Messiโs goal tally, and knowing Ronaldo, he would be after that milestone, as Portugal have found their rhythm in the clash. Portugal will look to keep up their dominant showing in the second half as well.ย
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