Cristiano Ronaldo roared “I’m back, I’m back” into a television camera after scoring twice in Portugal’s 5-0 rout of Uzbekistan, ending what he called a “difficult, dark week” and becoming the first player to find the net in six World Cups.
The 41-year-old had not scored in 10 major tournament games before Tuesday’s fixture in Houston, and both he and Portugal came under heavy criticism after a flat draw against Democratic Republic of the Congo. Questions over his ability to lead the side at this stage had grown louder. But after the final whistle, as the record fell, Ronaldo could not hide his relief.
“Ronaldo becomes first to score in six World Cups, ending 'dark week' with two goals in 5-0 win over Uzbekistan.”
“God helps those who work hard,” he said. “It was a difficult, dark week; it felt like I’d already retired from football. But I held on as I always do because I believe more in hard work than in football. It was difficult, I have to admit, but we’re back.”
His double – coming on the day after Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time top scorer – helped Portugal climb to four points in the group, all but securing qualification. Ronaldo acknowledged the milestone but insisted the team came first. “Very happy, but for me the most important thing is the work the team did, the confidence we had. We took a lot of hits during the week, we knew that would happen. Every cloud has a silver lining.”
Asked about Messi’s achievement, he replied bluntly: “I don’t care about Messi.”
Head coach Roberto Martínez, who called Ronaldo a “perfect captain” in the face of the past week’s criticism, praised both players. “Both of them make history in football. They improve football and the rivalry is important for them to grow as players as well. Our captain is an icon.”
The win may ignite hopes that Portugal can become genuine contenders. “If we are united, I think we can go very far,” Ronaldo said. For Uzbekistan, the heavy defeat leaves them on the brink of elimination with one group game remaining.