Cristiano Ronaldo answered criticism at the start of Portugal’s World Cup match against Uzbekistan on Tuesday by scoring early, firing a powerful shot into the net in the sixth minute to give Portugal a quick lead. Reports in Portugal said the team began strongly and should not let up, while British coverage noted that the goal came a day after Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time top scorer, with Sky’s Pete Gill saying Ronaldo had responded with history of his own.
Former England player Lee Dixon praised the finish, saying fans could feel the tension release and that Ronaldo’s movement had been perfectly timed and intelligent. British reports added that the goal was important because it eased the pressure around Ronaldo’s selection in the starting lineup and made the debate over that decision irrelevant.
Portugal’s second goal came in the 17th minute through Nuno Mendes, after Ronaldo stood next to the ball in his familiar free-kick pose and drew everyone’s attention. Many expected Ronaldo to take the set piece, but Mendes struck it himself and scored. The BBC described the play as Portugal and Ronaldo having “fooled everyone,” saying Ronaldo was used as a decoy in a perfectly executed trick.
The BBC also said the move fooled not only the spectators but the goalkeeper as well, who was beaten by a shot he should have saved. The article called it a “genius” move and said Ronaldo made his critics look foolish.
