Story perspectives

Ronaldo Scores Twice, Sets World Cup Record

6/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal forward) set a World Cup record as the first player to score in six tournaments at age 41.
Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0, with Ronaldo scoring twice, Nuno Mendes (defender) adding a goal and Rafael Leão (forward) scoring the fifth, which put Portugal atop Group K.
Roberto Martínez (Portugal coach) kept Ronaldo in the lineup after criticism, with a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review later disallowing Uzbekistan’s 28th-minute goal for a foul.

History

Historical Context

In 1970 Brazil won its third World Cup, and Pelé became the first player to score in three tournaments, adding four goals to finish with 12 World Cup goals, the highest total at that time. Ronaldo extended the longevity trend by becoming the first player to score in six World Cups by 2022, underscoring how veteran forwards remain pivotal.

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Story summary

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal forward) set a World Cup record as the first player to score in six tournaments at age 41.
Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0, with Ronaldo scoring twice, Nuno Mendes (defender) adding a goal and Rafael Leão (forward) scoring the fifth, which put Portugal atop Group K.
Roberto Martínez (Portugal coach) kept Ronaldo in the lineup after criticism, with a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review later disallowing Uzbekistan’s 28th-minute goal for a foul.

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