Watch: Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first player to score in 6 World Cups
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June 23 (UPI) -- Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score at six World Cups on Tuesday, finding the net twice in a win over Uzbekistan. He scored his first World Cup goal in 2006.
Ronaldo, who failed to score Wednesday against DR Congo, found the net in the sixth and 39th minutes of the 5-0 Group K triumph Tuesday in Houston. He fired seven shots, with five on target.
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The 41-year-old forward drew first blood off a cross from Joao Cancelo, whio started that play by dribbling to the right side of the box. He then booted a pass through defenders. Ronaldo used his first touch to hit a shot past goalie Abduvohid Nematov and into the right side of the net.
Left back Nuno Mendes doubled the Portugal lead with a free kick in the 17th minute. Ronaldo netted his second score off an assist from midfielder Bruno Fernandes just before halftime.
Fernandes dribbled across midfield and up the field before leading Ronaldo into the box. Ronaldo again used his first touch to roll a shot into the left side of the net for a 3-0 lead.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring against Uzbekistan in the first half of a FIFA World Cup match Tuesday in Houston. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPIThe ball bounced off Nematov and found the net for an own goal in the 60th minute. Ronaldo nearly completed a hat trick in the 74th minute, but Nematov made a diving save to deny that feat.
Midfielder Rafael Leao scored Portugal's final goal in the 87th minute.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo warms up before a FIFA World Cup match against Uzbekistan on Tuesday in Houston. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPIWith his two scores, Ronaldo pushed his career World Cup total to 10, which is tied for the 10th most in history. His first World Cup goal came in a June 17, 2006, win over Iran. Ronaldo also scored once at the 2010, 2014 and 2022 World Cups. He scored four times in 2018.
Portugal reached the semifinals during Ronaldo's first World Cup run. The Portuguese reached the quarterfinals in 2022.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (7) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Uzbekistan in the first half of a FIFA World Cup match Tuesday in Houston. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPIPortugal outshot Uzbekistan 17-7 and held a 66% to 34% edge in possession in Tuesday's win. Ronaldo and Portugal will take on Colombia in their Group K finale Saturday in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Uzbekistan in the first half of a FIFA World Cup match Tuesday in Houston. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPI