Cristiano Ronaldo is again at the centre of attention after a dominant 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, in which he scored twice, not just giving his side a big victory but also setting a new record in World Cup history, becoming the first footballer to score in six different editions of the tournament. After a week of criticism, the Portuguese great also opened up about his difficult times, the criticism he faced, and his comeback.
Portugal swept Uzbekistan in the Group K match in Houston. Ronaldo scored twice, Nuno Mendes got one, one came through an own goal, and Rafael Leao made it 5-0 late on.
After the match, Ronaldo said: ‘We knew something like this would happen this week. But the team worked very well and we have improved a lot. There is a saying — every cloud has a silver lining. Personally, it always feels good to break records, but my main goal is to help the national team reach its objective. At this stage, our goal was to get through the group stage. I believe we confirmed the next round with four points. I am very happy.’
The 39-year-old forward said he had not lost faith in himself even in difficult times. ‘I knew this would happen. God helps those who work hard. I knew my teammates would also help me. It was a very tough week, a completely dark week. It even felt as if I had already retired from football! But I held on, as I always do. Because I believe in hard work more than anything else.’
Ronaldo did not hide his feelings after that. ‘I will not lie — the time was hard. I have to admit that. But we came back,’ he said.
By scoring twice against Uzbekistan, Ronaldo became the first footballer in history to score in six different World Cup editions. After a week in the eye of the storm, such a performance was the most emphatic answer he could have given.
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