Ronaldo dos santos made World Cup history with a brilliant finish from Joao Cancelo’s cross, becoming the second-oldest player to score at the tournament, behind Roger Milla.
Portugal were criticised following a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opening game of the tournament.
They doubled their lead in the 17th minute in Houston with Nuno Mendes scoring directly with a low free-kick.
Uzbekistan thought they Equalized as Aziz shot into the net, but the effort was ruled out because Cancelo was fouled.
Ronaldo scored his second in the 39th minute, finishing Bruno Fernandes’ incisive pass after a midfield turnover.
Nematov’s own goal made it 4-0 before substitute Rafael Leao struck late to complete Portugal’s 5-0 rout.
Portugal moved top of Group K, but Colombia can overtake them with a win over Congo as Uzbekistan remain pointless.
“Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 18 goals but failed to score in the 2010 tournament.”
Ronaldo has now struck 10 times, having scored once at the 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2022 finals and four times in 2018, including a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw with Spain.
Ronaldo faced criticism after registering just 25 touches against DR Congo—the fewest of any Portugal outfield player to play the full match.
Messi leads the World Cup scoring charts with five goals, ahead of Mbappe and Haaland (four), while Vinicius Jr and Kane have two each.
Ronaldo dos santos facing criticism in the tournament
Under pressure and scrutiny, Ronaldo responded to the doubters, taking six minutes to make his mark on Tuesday.
His delight at scoring was obvious, ending an 11-game goal drought at a World Cup or European Championship.
Ronaldo faced criticism after registering just 25 touches against DR Congo, the fewest by any Portugal outfield player to play the full match.
Fernandes assisted as the veteran forward scored from a tight angle, helping Roberto Martinez’s side comfortably outclass their opponents.
Ronaldo’s brace made him Portugal’s all-time World Cup top scorer, surpassing Eusebio with his second tournament double.
He almost scored a first-hat-trick with an innovative lofted strike, only for Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov to clear the ball off the line.
Portugal chased a Ronaldo hat-trick, but Rafael Leao sealed the victory with a powerful late strike.
At full-time, a delighted Ronaldo was seen shouting “I’m back, I’m back” into the camera. His double, and a place in the record books, certainly proved that.