“So people don’t forget”. Cristiano Ronaldo silenced critics with just two words after Portugal’s historic win Football News:
Cristiano Ronaldo responded to critics in emphatic fashion after Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, declaring “I’m back” after a record-breaking performance that helped revive Portugal’s World Cup campaign and added several milestones to his remarkable career.Cristiano Ronaldo heard the noise.The Portugal captain enters Tuesday night’s Group K clash against Uzbekistan under pressure after a disappointing 1-1 draw with DR Congo in the tournament opener. Questions have been raised about Portugal’s attack, while Ronaldo himself faces fresh scrutiny over his form, advancing age and whether he can still influence games at the highest level. At 41, the tournament’s oldest outfield player, he arrived in Houston with critics questioning whether his World Cup days had finally caught up with him.Ninety minutes later, the conversation was very different.Ronaldo scored twice in a 5-0 win in Houston, helping Portugal keep their qualification hopes in check while simultaneously rewriting another chapter in football history.After the final whistle, the 41-year-old saw a television camera and gave a message that quickly became one of the defining images of the night.“I’m back, I’m back” he shouted.Later, when asked about the remark, Ronaldo gave a brief explanation.“Yes, so people don’t forget.”
Ronaldo responds to criticism on the pitch
Portugal’s response began immediately. Just six minutes into the game, João Cancelo burst down the right flank and drilled a low cross into the penalty area. Ronaldo timed his move perfectly, drifting away from his marker before flicking the ball past Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov.The goal gave Portugal an early lead and made Ronaldo the first player in football history to score in six different World Cup tournaments.His second came just before halftime.
Cristiano Ronaldo (7) of Portugal celebrates after scoring his team’s opening goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Bruno Fernandes collected possession in the midfield and slotted a precise pass through the Uzbekistan defense line. Ronaldo quickly anticipated the move, beating the offside trap and calmly slotting a low finish into the corner to make it 3-0.The strike moved him to 10 World Cup goals for Portugal, allowing him to surpass Eusébio’s long-standing national record of nine goals, a mark untouched since England’s iconic 1966 campaign.Nuno Mendes doubled Portugal’s advantage after Ronaldo cleverly acted as a decoy during the free-kick routine, while an own goal and a late finish from Rafael Leão completed the rout.
“They said I should retire”
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo admitted that last week was difficult.“It’s been a tough, dark week. It feels like I’m retiring from football.The comments reflect not only the criticism surrounding his performance against DR Congo but also speculation about alleged tensions within the Portuguese camp.Ronaldo dismissed any suggestion that the squad had been fractured.“I know my teammates will also help me. It was difficult, I have to admit, but we came back. I’m very happy.”He also directly addressed the criticisms.“They said I should retire… but here I am.”“The noise from outside is always like this, but we can’t control it. We continue and we are united.”
More records on another historic night
Beyond the victory in Portugal, Ronaldo left the stadium with many new achievements attached to his name.His opening goal made him the first player to score in six different World Cups. At 41 years and 138 days, he also became the second oldest goalscorer in World Cup history behind Cameroon’s Roger Milla, while increasing his career tally to an astonishing 975 goals for club and country.When asked about another record-breaking night, Ronaldo tried to shift the focus back to the team.“Records are always nice to break, but my goal is to help the national team achieve its goals. The most important thing is the team work and the trust we have.
Messi’s question brought a different answer
Ronaldo showed little interest in discussing Lionel Messi after the match.When a reporter started to ask about Messi’s recent achievements, he cut the question short and pointed to another journalist. Later, he prepared. “That depends on the question, otherwise I won’t answer you.”The only time he briefly broached the subject was when asked about a potential meeting with Argentina.“I don’t know what to answer. It’s a question that doesn’t make much sense. But, well, it’s the highest.”For now, Portugal’s focus has shifted to a decisive final Group K meeting with Colombia. Victory would secure top spot in the group and complete a remarkable turnaround from the disappointment that followed the opening draw against DR Congo.
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