Cristiano Ronaldo responded to the opposition in a positive manner after Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, declaring “I’m here” following the record that helped revive Portugal’s World Cup campaign and add another milestone to his incredible career.Cristiano Ronaldo had heard the noise.The Portugal captain entered Tuesday night’s Group K clash against Uzbekistan under pressure following a 1-1 draw with DR Congo in the tournament’s opening match. Questions were asked about Portugal’s attacking display, while Ronaldo himself was also targeted over his form, age and whether he could still manage the best matches. At 41, the game’s oldest player, he arrived in Houston with critics questioning whether his World Cup days had caught up with him.Ninety minutes later, the conversation looked very different.Ronaldo scored twice in a 5-0 win in Houston, helping Portugal improve their qualification hopes and write another chapter in football history.After the final whistle, the 41-year-old saw the television camera and delivered a message that became one of the most famous images of the night.“I’m here, I’m here” he shouted.Later, when asked about the comment, Ronaldo explained it briefly.“Yes, so people don’t forget.”
Ronaldo responds to criticism on the pitch
Portugal’s response began almost immediately. Just six minutes into the game, João Cancelo shot from the right side and narrowly crossed into the penalty area. Ronaldo timed it well, getting away from his post before lifting the ball past Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov.The goal gave Portugal an early lead and made Ronaldo the first player in football history to score in six World Cups.His deputy arrived shortly before the deadline.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) celebrates after scoring his team’s opening goal during the Group K World Cup soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Bruno Fernandes took the midfield and directed the correct pass through the Uzbekistan defence. Ronaldo expected to make the move immediately, beat the offside trap and calmly slotted home the corner to make it 3-0.The strike took him to Portugal’s 10th World Cup goal, surpassing Eusébio’s previous record of nine goals, a mark not seen since the player’s famous 1966 campaign for England.Nuno Mendes had earlier added to Portugal’s advantage after Ronaldo’s clever free-kick, while his own goal and Rafael Leão’s late finish wrapped up the contest.
“They tell me to rest”
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo admitted that the past week had been difficult.“It was a difficult, dark week. It seemed like I had already given up on football. But I held on, as I always do, because I believe in work more than anything else.”These comments not only reflected the criticism he expressed against the DR Congo but also the views related to the alleged conflicts within the Portuguese camp.Ronaldo rejected any suggestion that the club had broken up.“I knew my friends were helping me too. It was difficult, I have to admit, but we’re back. I’m very happy.”He also spoke in direct criticism.“They told me to rest… but here I am.”“The noise from outside is always like this, but we can’t control it. We continue and we are united.”
Lots of notes on another historic night
After the victory of Portugal, Ronaldo left the stadium with several new things attached to his name.His opening goal made him the first player to score in six World Cups. At 41 years and 138 days, he also became the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history behind Cameroon’s Roger Milla, as he extended his career to 975 goals for club and country.When asked about another record-breaking night, Ronaldo tried to turn his attention back to the team.“Records are always nice to break, but my goal is to help the national team achieve its goals. The most important thing was the team work and the confidence we had.
The question of Messi brings different answers
Ronaldo did not like to talk about Lionel Messi after the game.When a reporter started to ask about Messi’s latest move, he cut off the question and pointed to another reporter instead. After that, he warned: “This depends on the question, otherwise I can’t answer you.”The only time he briefly addressed the issue was when he was asked about a possible meeting with Argentina.“I don’t know what to answer. It’s a very vague question. But, well, it would be at the top.”Meanwhile, Portugal’s focus shifts to their Group K final meeting with Colombia. The victory secured top spot in the group and is a remarkable turnaround from the disappointment that followed the first game against DR Congo.