Ronaldo brushes off criticism, scores twice in 5-0 win

Portugal opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, a match in which Cristiano Ronaldo failed to register a shot on target. The lackluster performance sparked immediate criticism of the 41‑year‑old striker and the coach. On Tuesday, Portugal responded with a 5-0 demolition of Uzbekistan, with Ronaldo scoring both goals. The victory lifted Portugal to the top of Group K with four points. Ronaldo said the week had been very tough and that public criticism had been very harsh on the players and especially on him and the coach. "I can say it was a very tough week, a difficult week," Ronaldo said, adding "A week where the public criticism was very harsh on us, all the players and especially on me and the coach. But that's how it is."

Ronaldo shuts down Messi question after Portugal win

He added that the criticism did not bother him, citing his 23‑year professional career. "No, it doesn't bother me, because, as you know I've been a professional for 23 years. Whenever things are going well, Cristiano is great. When they're not, he's finished and too old. It will always be that way," Ronaldo said. When asked about Lionel Messi, Ronaldo immediately turned his head and invited another question. "Go ahead," Ronaldo said after turning his head, inviting a question from another reporter as soon as Messi's name was uttered.

Ronaldo fires twice as Portugal thrash Uzbekistan 5-0

Argentina, led by Messi, has topped Group J and Messi has five goals in two games, making him the all‑time leading World Cup scorer. Portugal now sits with four points at the summit of Group K, but its knockout qualification will be decided after its final group match against Colombia on Saturday. If both Portugal and Argentina win their next two knockout matches, they could meet in the quarter‑finals on July 12, a clash that would attract global attention. The outcome of the Saturday game will determine whether Portugal joins the knockout round.