Ronaldo Makes World Cup History as Portugal Thrash Uzbekistan
Cristiano Ronaldo created another piece of football history by becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments as Portugal cruised to a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in their Group K clash.
The 41-year-old opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a clinical half-volley from João Cancelo’s cross, also becoming the second-oldest player to score in World Cup history behind Cameroon’s Roger Milla. Ronaldo added his second before half-time after being set up by Bruno Fernandes, taking his overall World Cup tally to 10 goals.
Nuno Mendes doubled Portugal’s lead with a superb low free-kick, while an own goal by goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov and a late strike from substitute Rafael Leão completed the emphatic win. Uzbekistan had a spectacular goal ruled out after a foul in the build-up.
The victory moved Portugal to the top of Group K with four points after being held to a draw by DR Congo in their opening match. Ronaldo’s latest milestone comes just days after Argentina’s Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 18 goals, although Ronaldo remains the only player to have scored in six separate World Cup editions.
England Held by Resolute Ghana in Goalless World Cup Stalemate
England missed the chance to seal their place in the FIFA World Cup last 32 after being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Ghana at Boston Stadium.
After an impressive opening victory over Croatia, Thomas Tuchel’s side struggled to find their rhythm against a disciplined Ghanaian defence. England failed to register a shot on target until the 57th minute, with Bukayo Saka—introduced from the bench—forcing a fine save from goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.
Substitutes Nico O’Reilly and Marc Guehi came close late on, with O’Reilly striking the crossbar and Guehi seeing a header cleared off the line. Ghana also threatened on the counter-attack and were left aggrieved after a late penalty appeal involving Ezri Konsa was waved away.
The draw leaves England top of Group L, but Tuchel’s men will need a positive result against Panama in their final group match to guarantee a place in the knockout stage.
