Ronaldo Finally Breaks Through: First Player to Score in 6 World Cups

[Anchor]

After failing to score in Portugal's opening World Cup match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cristiano Ronaldo has found the back of the net in his second game. By scoring two goals against Uzbekistan, he has written a new chapter in history as the first player to score in six consecutive World Cup tournaments.

Reporter Jeon Yeongmin has the story.

[Reporter]

Ronaldo, who faced criticism after failing to record a single attacking point or even a shot on target in the first match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FIFA ranking 46th), was determined to vent his frustration against Uzbekistan.

In the 6th minute of the first half, he connected with a low, fast cross from Cancelo on the flank, firing a one-touch right-footed shot to score his first goal of the tournament.

With this goal, Ronaldo set the historic record of scoring in six consecutive World Cups and celebrated with his signature celebration.

Ronaldo, riding the momentum, added another goal in the 39th minute of the first half.

As Fernandes delivered a through ball during a counterattack, Ronaldo easily found the back of the net with a right-footed shot. This marked his 10th career World Cup goal, surpassing the legendary Eusébio to become Portugal's all-time leading scorer.

Just one goal shy of a hat-trick, Ronaldo continued to threaten the Uzbek goal by utilizing his signature speed for forward pressure and executing set-pieces that completely deceived the defense. However, he was unable to add more to his tally as a left-footed shot was blocked by the goalkeeper and a desperate lunging effort narrowly missed the post.

Nevertheless, fans showered him with applause. Portugal secured their first win of the tournament with a 5-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan, bolstered by a fantastic free-kick goal from Mendes and a clincher from Leão.

[Ronaldo / Portugal National Football Team: People call me 'Cristiano Ronaldo' when the results are good, but when things don't go well, they say, 'He should retire, he's old now.' I think I've shown a good answer to that. It's a result that not only I, but all my teammates wanted.]

Meanwhile, England, the leaders of Group E, struggled against Ghana's dense defense and were further hampered by bad luck with the woodwork, ending in a 0-0 draw. Croatia kept their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 alive by defeating Panama 1-0, thanks to a winning goal from substitute Budimir, bringing their record to one win and one loss.

(Video Editing: Park Chun-bae)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.