Cristiano Ronaldo shows smart thinking with a clever move to score for Portugal against Uzbekistan.
Cristiano Ronaldo came up with a clever move as Portugal scored their second goal against Uzbekistan at the World Cup. After not scoring in Portugal’s first group games, the football star finally made his mark this summer.
Even though some fans were critical, coach Roberto Martinez decided to start Ronaldo again in this important match. His trust paid off quickly when Ronaldo scored from Joao Cancelo’s cross just seven minutes in.
Portugal kept pressing hard in the early part of the game and earned a free kick right outside the box. As usual, Ronaldo took the ball while his teammates discussed the best way to take it. It seemed like Ronaldo was going to take the shot, but he surprised everyone.
He stepped over the ball with his famous free-kick pose, but it was actually Nuno Mendes who ran up and curled the free kick into the goal. Ronaldo pointed to his head as Mendes celebrated, showing it was a smart, planned move.
Ronaldo’s goal also made him the first player ever to score in six different World Cups. Plus, he’s the second oldest player to score in the tournament.
Before the half-time hydration break, Ronaldo had only touched the ball five times—including the goal. Shortly after the break, Uzbekistan had a goal ruled out after VAR reviewed a foul on Joao Cancelo.
Portugal’s next game is against Colombia. Before the match, Martinez defended Ronaldo, saying he’s still a key part of the team.
He said, “We’re more united and stronger. Yes, there’s a lot of noise and tension, but that’s part of the World Cup. Our focus is on the team. Ronaldo is an example and a leader. He’s reacted with experience and wants to help the team. He creates chances with his moves, and the stats back that up.
He’s probably the best example of how to keep going and train hard. But we all feel a bit frustrated as a team, and that’s normal.”