Ronaldo answers critics with goals: "We are here"

Cristiano Ronaldo gave the strongest answer to his critics on the pitch. In Portugal's 5-0 win over Uzbekistan in 2026 World Cup Group K, the 41-year-old star scored twice in the first half, both ending a long goal drought and making history.

Ineffective and heavily criticised in the 1-1 opener with DR Congo, Ronaldo started fast in Houston. After putting Portugal ahead in the sixth minute with a firm right-footed finish inside the box, in the 39th he ran in behind the defence onto an assist from his former Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes to make it 3-0 (Nuno Mendes had added one in between). Despite chances for a hat-trick, the star did not find a third, yet was still named man of the match.

With these goals, Ronaldo became the first player in football history to score at six different World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026). With his 10th World Cup goal he passed the legendary Eusébio to become Portugal's all-time top scorer at the tournament, taking his international tally to 145. Ronaldo also became the second-oldest scorer in World Cup history at 41 years and 138 days; only Roger Milla in 1994 sits ahead of him in that respect.

Ending a 10-game goal drought at major tournaments stretching back to November 2022, Ronaldo shared a short but meaningful message on social media after the game: "ESTAMOS AQUI!", meaning "We are here!" The message was read as an expression not just of a win but of an answer to the criticism and the team's difficult start to the tournament. The star was also reported to have said, of the team's improvement, "We've improved; that's just how life is."

Manager Roberto Martínez also heaped praise on his captain. Asked what was needed to spark Portugal's attack, Martínez replied, "Cristiano is the best one to do that," citing data from the last 32 games to stress that Ronaldo is the player making the difference with his extra movement to open spaces. With this result Portugal moved to four points and came much closer to the last 32; they will decide top spot against Colombia on Saturday.

Image: Al Jazeera