Ronaldo’s early goal and free-kick decoy stun World Cup observers

Cristiano Ronaldo answered criticism at the start of Portugal’s World Cup match against Uzbekistan on Tuesday night, June 23, 2026, by scoring in the sixth minute with a powerful finish to give Portugal an early lead. Media outlets in Portugal and England said the goal immediately changed the mood around the star after a turbulent opening to the tournament.

Sky’s Pete Gill wrote that, a day after Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer, Ronaldo had produced “history of his own.” Former England international Lee Dixon said the pressure seemed to lift in the stadium, adding that any football fan would enjoy seeing Ronaldo score because “he is clever” and timed his movement perfectly. British coverage also said the goal made the arguments over his selection irrelevant.

Ronaldo then played a central role in Portugal’s second goal in the 17th minute. He stood beside Nuno Mendes in his trademark free-kick pose, leading everyone to expect the captain to take the shot. Instead, Mendes struck the ball into the bottom corner.

The BBC said Portugal had “fooled everyone,” describing Ronaldo as a decoy who distracted the crowd and the goalkeeper. The outlet said the move was executed perfectly and called it a brilliant piece of trickery by Portugal.