Ronaldo Is Back: 4 Takeaways From Portugal's Blowout Win vs. Uzbekistan At The World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo is the last major star to arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the legendary Portugal striker made an emphatic statement on Tuesday with two goals in a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium.

The win moved Portugal to four points in Group K and closer to a spot in the round of 32. On the flip side, tournament debutants Uzbekistan has now lost its first two games and looks to be heading home after its group stage finale.

Ronaldo and Portugal will next take on Colombia on Saturday in a game that will decide its group. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, will look for its first win or point against DR Congo. 

But first, here are four takeaways from Portugal vs. Uzbekistan:

(Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)

This World Cup has been all about the stars delivering. Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé and Mohamed Salah have all scored multiple goals for their countries so far. But all eyes in this game were on Cristiano Ronaldo as he looked to join his rivals on the scoreboard.

People did not have to wait long as Ronaldo scored an impressive goal in the sixth minute when right back João Cancelo moved down the flank and cut the ball back in the middle of the box for Ronaldo, who then was able to hit a shot inside the near post.

Then in the 39th minute, Ronaldo bagged his second of the game when he made a run to get behind Uzbekistan’s backline and was on the end of a brilliant pass from Bruno Fernandes, his former Manchester United teammate.

It was his staggering 145th international goal for Portugal and his 10th at the World Cup.  

Getting Ronaldo going at this tournament was a major priority for Portugal, as he had failed to score in his last 10 major tournament appearances, a span