Cristiano Ronaldo fires back at critics of World Cup performance after scoring 2 goals
ATLANTA ― At 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo can still create World Cup magic.
On Tuesday, Ronaldo and Portugal steamrolled Uzbekistan 5-0, and the scoring party began with a historic strike from the forward. Ronaldo became the first man to score in six World Cups when he found the back of the net in the sixth minute. He is also the oldest non-goalkeeper to start a World Cup game.
Ronaldo’s goal was his ninth career World Cup goal and first since he converted a penalty kick during Portugal’s 2022 opening match against Ghana. Tuesday’s score, which invoked Ronaldo’s signature celebration, came after he faced heavy criticism for a June 17 performance in Portugal’s opening 1-1 draw against Congo.
Ronaldo would later add another goal in the 39th minute as Portugal rolled to a big win.
“I knew that God helps those who work. I knew my teammates were going to help as well. It was a difficult week, a dark week. It felt like I was already retired from football,” Ronaldo said postmatch.
“But I held on, as I always do, because I believe more in hard work than in anything else. It was difficult … I have to confess, but we are back.”
Cristiano Ronaldo speaks on silencing the critics after Portugal’s 5–0 win over Uzbekistan 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/gDSFyWLyEP
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 23, 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup history
Ronaldo is making his record sixth World Cup appearance, and this is the one championship that has eluded the 41-year-old Portuguese star in his storied career. His role has changed dramatically with the national team as he’s gotten older, but the largest question remained: does he have some magic left for one last run?
Cristiano Ronaldo international stats
Entering the 2026 World Cup, the 41-year-old had scored 143 goals in 228 international matches. His two goals Tuesday now bring him up to 145 international goals in 229 games.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ronaldo responds to World Cup criticism after 2 goals vs Uzbekistan
