Portugal vs Uzbekistan Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo, Nuno Mendes power Portugal to 5-0 win

That's it. The referee blows the final whistle as Portugal finish the game 5-0. Cristiano Ronaldo scores a brace, while Nuno Mendes and Rafa Leao netted once each. Nematov scored a own goal. With this win. Portugal reach four points and go on top of the table. Uzbekistan are eliminated from the race of knockouts.

GOOOAALLLLLLLL!!! Rafa Leao comes on as a substitute and makes an instant impact. Inside the box, Nelson Semedo centres the ball for Rafa Leao on the right. Leao gets the ball, sees Ronaldo draws back to make space for him, and AC Milan forward shoots into the top-left corner of the net, leaving Uzbekistan just stand and watch. (87')

Cristiano Ronaldo is going to play the full 90 minutes. Meanwhile Bruno Fernandes is denied by Nematov. The Manchester United midfielder takes a long shot from the edge of the box, but Nematov was alert enough to avert any further danger.

The vintage Cristiano Ronaldo is back as the 41-year-old doing all he can like old days to get his third of the night. Just after the second hydration break, Ronaldo wins the ball after an error by Nematov. He controls the ball, turns around and then takes a left-footed shot. But Nematov was up to the task with excellent reflexes.

Hattrick denied!!! Bruno Fernandes lobs the ball for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Al Nassr star's shot is blocked by Nematov, forcing a corner. Bruno takes the corner and Joao Felix pushes the ball in. TV replays show its an own goal from Nematov. Portugal 4-0 Uzbekistan (60')

Portugal make two changes in the second half. Semedo and Conceicao come on for Joao Cancelo and Pedro Neto. It could have been 4-0 for Portugal in the 51st minute. The ball falls in front of Uzbekistan goalkeeper Nematov. Ronaldo, who was lurking around, presses on the ball but Nematov was lucky enough to clear the ball.

There have been 137 goals scored in this year's FIFA World Cup (45 games), now the most ever in the group stages of a single edition of the finals, overtaking the 136 scored in 2014 (48 games).

GOOAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!! It's Cristiano Ronaldo scores again. Bruno Fernandes runs in with the ball in the centre to send a perfect pass to Ronaldo on the right. The 41-year-old angles in for his second goal as the whole stadium celebrates with his trademark celebration. Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan (39')

GOOOAALLLLLL!!! Uzbekistan pull one back through Ganiev in the 29th minute with a stunning. But the referee rules the goal out after a foul, following a VAR review. Portugal 2-0 Uzbekistan (29')

GOOOAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL! This time its Nuno Mendes, from a freekick. Pedro neto is fouled by Odildzhon Khammrobekov just outside the box. Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Mendes stand to take the freekick. While everyone thought Ronaldo would take the shot, Mendes driils the ball into the net with his left-footed hit. Portugal 2-0 Uzbekistan (17')

GOOAALLLLLLLLL!!!!!!! It's Crisitiano Ronaldoooooo! He becomes the first player to score in six different World Cups. Pedro Neto crosses from the right and ronaldi shoots first time with his first touch to rattle the back of the net. Portugal 1-0 Uzbekistan (6'

What a miss by Cristiano Ronaldo! Nuno Mendes sends in a perfect cross from the left only for Ronaldo to tap in. The Portugal captain misses the ball by inches. Earlier, Bruno Fernandes mades a twist and turn inside the box to launch a left-footed stunner, but his shot gets s deflection to go over the bar.

All the big names have delivered in this World Cup. While Lionel Messi is leading the Golden Boot race with five goals, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are on four goals each. Only Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to find the back of the net. The last time Ronaldo scored for Portugal was during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar against Ghana.

Time for National Anthems as the players walk out of the tunnel. Cristiano Ronaldo is leading Portugal. Majority of the stadium is filled with Portugal colours. Portugal go first, followed by Uzbekistan.

Despite the criticism, Portugal legend Luis Figo stood beside Cristiano Ronaldo. “Obviously, Portugal didn’t start the way we expected. But there are no easy matches, as we’re seeing in the tournament. And of course, when you don’t win, there’s criticism. You have to be prepared. Those of us in football know how this works,” Figo explained.

“This becomes even more intense when you’re a global reference like Cristiano. He’s different in everything, even at his age playing in a World Cup. That’s Roberto Martínez’s decision. The coach knows what Cristiano Ronaldo can bring to the team with his strengths. It’s up to the coach,” he added.

Cristiano Ronaldo is eyeing history against Uzbekistan. The former Manchester United star needs just a goal to become the first player to score in all six editions of the World Cup he has played.

With just a point, Portugal need to win against Uzbekistan to stay in contention for a spot in the round of 33. A draw would take Portugal to two points. A win for Portugal will take them to four points and on top of the table. Colombia play Congo tomorrow morning and are expected to win and sail into the next round. in that case, Portugal would need a draw or a win to finish in the top two and enter the knockouts.

Uzbekistan, goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov starts. The debutants have gone with five in defence, while Odiljon Xamrobeko and Azizjon Ganiev come into the midfield. Captain Eldor Shomurodov is again up front for coach Fabio Cannavaro's Uzbekistan, who lost their opener 3-1 to Colombia.

Portugal welcome back centre-back Ruben Dias after he missed the Congo draw through injury. He replaces the injured Tomas Araujo. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has not scored at a major finals in his last 10 games since a penalty against Ghana at the 2022 World Cup. Winger Joao Felix comes into the Portugal starting XI for Bernardo Silva.

Uzbekistan: Abduvohid Nematov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rustam Ashurmatov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Abdulla Abdullaev, Behruzjon Karimov, Odiljon Xamrobekov, Otabek Shukurov, Azizjon Ganiev, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Eldor Shomurodov.