Portugal 5, Uzbekistan 0
Complete and total domination from Portugal in this one. The result marked a sharp turnaround after Portugal had a disappointing draw against DR Congo in its opening match. Cristiano Ronaldo, who looked old and slow to start this World Cup, returned to form, scoring two goals and nearly completing a hat trick on several other occasions.
The win will temporarily move Portugal atop the standings of Group K. Uzbekistan has now lost both its matches to start the World Cup. Five minutes of stoppage time were added, and Ronaldo appeared to be playing this one out through the end.
Ronaldo Bounces Back
It was an inauspicious start to the World Cup for Cristiano Ronaldo. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner looked old in Portugal's World Cup opener, a surprising draw against DR Congo. Ronaldo was criticized for his performance, failing to play a team game in a match Portugal was widely expected to win.
To make matters worse, Ronaldo's peers all thrived, as top goal-scorers such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland all scored multiple times in their opening matches.
At least on Tuesday, Ronaldo looked like the Ronaldo of old, scoring twice and nearly scoring a third goal on multiple occasions. He also deflected when necessary, playing decoy on a few set pieces to help his teammates. The question now is if Ronaldo can keep up this level of play against stiffer competition.
England vs. Ghana Live from Boston
England vs. Ghana has kicked off in Boston. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Harry Kane of England entered the day looking to lead their teams to victory across the World Cup schedule.
Starting lineups for England and Ghana were released ahead of kickoff.
While these English players have dominated possession and spent a considerable amount of time in the attacking third, they've been unable to break past Ghana's defense.
Declan Rice had a free kick around six minutes into the match but Ghana cleared it away immediately. Then just now, about 11 minutes in, Reece James was set up with a pass in front of Ghana's net that went nowhere. Rice had another set piece opportunity in the 13th minute and skied it over Ghana's net.
Very little time on the ball for Ghana early. Granted, we're only about 10 minutes into this match, but Ghana hasn't been able to sustain anything so far. Ghana has controlled possession for only 14% of the time so far.
Hydration Break and Injury Scare
It's hydration break time on a rainy day in Boston. Awkward play here the last couple minutes, as play was stopped due to an injury, restarted, then stopped immediately for the break.
Ghana's Jordan Ayew was being tended to on the pitch, but he's remained on the field. He's playing now with a wrap on his head, after suffering an apparent head injury.
Ghana's Backup Goalkeeper
Something to keep in mind as England stays on attack for much of this first half: Ghana is playing with Benjamin Asare in goal in place of Lawrence Ati Zigi, who was injured in the team's opener against Panama.
'Country Roads' Sweeps World Cup Crowds
World Cup fans were united this weekend by a song synonymous with belonging, nostalgia and the yearning for home. John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" is enjoying a new wave of popularity as its sing-along chorus becomes a staple among soccer fans nationwide.
U.S. Soccer officials selected the song as the postmatch celebration tune for the men's national team. Fans have since delighted in the resurgence of the classic 1971 country-folk hit, with videos circulating across social media of World Cup viewers proudly belting the lyrics.
On Friday, after the United States' 2-0 win over Australia, the Seattle stadium of nearly 67,000 attendees broke out into a booming rendition of the song.
Featured names
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Benjamin Asare
- Lawrence Ati
- Country Roads
- United States
- Lionel Messi
- Kylian Mbapp
- Erling Haaland
- Eldor Shomurodov
- Abduvohid Nematov
- Renato Veiga
- Bruno Fernandes
- Ghana Follow
- Portugal Uzbekistan
