Edited by Paul Elegbeleye | Photo: Hossein Zohrevand / Tasnim News Agency, CC BY 4.0
Portugal is Back at It
A superb free-kick by PSG’s Nuno Mendes, an own goal from Uzbekistan’s goalkeeper, Abduvohid Nematov, and a clinical finish from AC Milan’s Rafael Leão, wrapped up an outstanding night for Portugal, at the NRG Stadium, in Houston, USA.
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Ronaldo’s Goal Runs Continue
Ronaldo, who has a forgettable game against The Leopards of The Democratic Republic of Congo, opened the scoring in the 6th minute.
The 41-year-old Al Nassr FC striker, connected with a sublime cut back from João Cancelo, to drive home a low shot into the bottom right corner.
His goal was historic as it made him Portugal’s top goalscorer at the FIFA World Cup, with ten goals, surpassing Portuguese legend, Eusébio, who netted nine times.
It also made the former Manchester United’s and Real Madrid’s forward the only player to score in six World Cup editions, dating back to the 2006 World Cup.
He also became the second-oldest player to score in a World Cup; second behind Cameroon’s legend, Roger Milla.
Ronaldo grabbed his second in the 39th minute through an assist from Manchester United’s playmaker, Bruno Fernandes. Ronaldo ran past two Uzbekistan’s defender to connect with Fernandes’s through ball, and then slotted home in the bottom left corner.
The goal added another record to the Portuguese talisman as it made him the oldest player to score a brace at the FIFA World Cup.
It also ended a ten-game goal drought for the Portuguese all-time goalscorer.
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Portugal’s Dominance in Display
Portugal added a second in the 17th minute through a powerful free-kick from the edge of the box. It was his first international goal.
Uzbekistan thought they had gotten themselves back in the game in the 29th minute when Azizjon Ganiev unleashed a powerful shot to the top left corner of the Portuguese post, following a dispossession of the ball from Al Hilal’s defender, João Cancelo. However, VAR disallowed the goal after a review showed that Cancelo had been fouled before the goal was scored.
The fourth goal came in the 60th minute through an own goal from Abduvohid Nematov. A shot from outside the box was saved by Nematov, but it rebounded off an Uzbekistan’s defender into the net.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper had a match to forget as he conceded three goals in the first-half of the game. He had replaced first-choice goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov for the match.
Rafael Leão added a fifth in the 87th minute. He connected to a rebounded pass to slot the ball at the top left corner.
Ronaldo had quite some opportunities to net a hat trick, but it was not to be. He would hope to do so when his team squares up to Colombia on June 27.
He would, no doubt, be filled with joy, and would hope to at last win the much-coveted World Cup trophy that has eluded his illustrious career.
Portugal’s Test Continues
After this brilliant run, it’s hopeful that they can continue the brilliant run when they face Columbia and hopefully, Ronaldo gets more goals and Portugal gets another three points as they prepare for round of 32.
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