Ronaldo's two goals came before halftime and made him the first player to ever score in six different World Cups. He also played the role of decoy in Portugal's second goal and had several strong chances to complete a hat trick, though he could not convert those opportunities.
They said I should retire... but I am here. The noise from outside is always like this, but we can't control it. We keep going and we are united.
Portugal entered Tuesday looking to bounce back after a disappointing opening World Cup match, a 1-1 draw with Congo DR in which Ronaldo had very little impact. That result renewed calls from many outsiders that Portugal would be better served using Ronaldo off the bench.
Both Ronaldo and Portugal responded with a stronger showing against Uzbekistan. Ronaldo described the week leading into the match as difficult after the slow start to the tournament.
I know that whoever works hard, god helps him. It was a tough week, a dark one, it started as if I had retired from football. But I held on as I always hold on because I believe in work more than football. It was tough, I have to admit, but we came back.
Group K and Portugal's Path
Uzbekistan entered the match ranked 58th in FIFA's world rankings and were not viewed as Portugal's toughest opponent. Uzbekistan have now been outscored 8-1 across two games at this World Cup, though drawing Colombia and Portugal in Group K did not help their standing in the group.
For Portugal, the focus remains on the team in front of them in each match. Getting Ronaldo back on the scoresheet is a positive sign for a side aiming to claim a first-ever World Cup title.
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