Cristiano Ronaldo bounced back from his poor start to this summer’s World Cup this evening, netting a brace in Portugal’s emphatic 5-0 win over Uzbekistan in Houston.
Both Ronaldo and his teammates received quite a bit of criticism in the aftermath of the 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their tournament opener. The captain was particularly singled out, with some feeling he had a negative overall impact on the side.
While it remains to be seen whether that will be the case in the knockout stages, the 41-year old played a positive role in this game. He would score a first half brace to put Portugal on course for victory.
🇵🇹 3-0 🇺🇿
A third for Portugal in the first half, and it's Ronaldo once again who finishes off a clinical Portuguese counter-attack.
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Roy Keane happy to Cristiano Ronaldo back firing
Cristiano Ronaldo would not manage to complete his hat-trick in the second half, but he did hit a significant milestone in this game. His goals meant he is the first player to ever score in six World Cups.
This display is unlikely to ease all of the criticism directed his way, but Roy Keane is satisfied that the forward’s doubters have been silenced for now.
Speaking on ITV, the Irishman said this performance was a timely reminder of the quality Ronaldo still possesses.
Why would you ever doubt him? Why would you ever doubt him?
The guy is an amazing player, his stats are fantastic. There are no surprises that he would turn up today.
He got some good delivery, hung around there long enough. It’s a good finish.
It’s amazing with all he’s done in the game of football over the last 20 years that there is still relief for him there. It tells you how much he cares about the game…
He’s the man. It’s great to see him back.
Roy Keane shoots down Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup prediction
Roy Keane is a massive fan of the Portuguese star, stretching back to their time as teammates at Manchester United. In saying that, even he did not buy a suggestion put forward by Gary Neville about the player.
Portugal are set to co-host the 2030 World Cup, by which point Ronaldo will be 45-years old. Neville told presenter Mark Pougatch he would not be surprised to see him play at that tournament, a notion that baffled the Cork man.
Neville: It’s a stupid thing to say this. The next World Cup is in Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. I would not put it past him for him to think that he’s going to be there. It’s ridiculous to say that I know.
Pougatch: Roberto Martinez has said he thinks he will be. I thought Ronaldo said he won’t be, but like you said because of where it is he could change his mind.
Keane: Yeah he will probably be there alright, but you mean watching? He can’t be playing surely. If he’s a full back he might be!
A bit of sense.
Portugal will face Colombia in their final group game, with the winners of that one likely to top the group.
Cristiano Ronaldo will no doubt be confident of having a big impact in that one on the back of his brace against Uzbekistan.
