Portugal thrash Uzbekistan 5-0 as Ronaldo scores twice

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal cruised to a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan at the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, bouncing back strongly from a disappointing performance in the team‍‍`s opening match.

The 41-year-old captain was named man of the match after becoming the first player in history to score in six different World Cup tournaments, adding another milestone to his illustrious career.

The win lifted Portugal to four points in Group K. Colombia, with three points, were scheduled to face Congo later on Tuesday in Guadalajara.

Ronaldo had come under criticism following Portugal‍‍`s 1-1 draw against Congo in the opening match, with some questioning whether he should remain in the starting lineup. However, coach Roberto Martínez retained faith in the veteran forward and was rewarded almost immediately.

Ronaldo opened the scoring in the sixth minute, converting João Cancelo‍‍`s cross with his right foot before performing his trademark "SIUUU" celebration with teammates.

Portugal doubled their lead in the 17th minute through Nuno Mendes, who found the net from a free kick.

Ronaldo struck again in the 39th minute, receiving a pass from Bruno Fernandes and firing a right-footed shot inside the near post to make it 3-0 before halftime.

Portugal extended their lead to 4-0 in the 60th minute thanks to an own goal.

Substitute Rafael Leão, who came on in the 83rd minute, completed the rout by scoring in the 87th minute and celebrating by posing for the camera.

Uzbekistan thought they had pulled one back in the 30th minute when midfielder Azizjon Ganiev found the net, but the goal was disallowed after a video review showed Abbosbek Fayzullaev had fouled João Cancelo in the build-up.

Martínez made two changes to the side that drew with Congo, bringing in João Félix for Bernardo Silva and restoring defender Rúben Dias, who had missed the opener through injury, in place of Tomas Araújo.

Ronaldo nearly opened the scoring in the fourth minute when he narrowly missed connecting with a cross from Mendes.

The Portuguese star also came close to completing a hat-trick in stoppage time, but his effort went just wide.

Uzbekistan will next face Congo in Atlanta on Saturday, while Portugal will take on Colombia in their final Group K match in Miami on the same day.