'I'm back' - record-breaking Ronaldo answers critics

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. 'I'm back' - record-breaking Ronaldo answers critics Figure caption, Portugal thrash Uzbekistan as Ronaldo scores twiceByMichael EmonsBBC Sport journalistPublished1 hour ago"I'm back! "After scoring twice in his side's 5-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan, Cristiano Ronaldo stared into a television camera lens and screamed a defiant message for those who said he was Portugal's problem at the 2026 World Cup. The 41-year-old could not hide his feelings, nor contain his joy as he celebrated the historic feat of becoming the first player to find the net in six editions of football's biggest tournament.

It was also the perfect response to the critics who had written him off. Ronaldo had been widely criticised after Portugal's laboured 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their opening Group K tie, while other global stars including Argentina's Lionel Messi, France forward Kylian Mbappe, Norway talisman Erling Haaland, Brazil's Vinicius Jr and England captain Harry Kane all impressed in the first two weeks. But Ronaldo made a spectacular, albeit late, entrance to the party.

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He only needed six minutes to open the scoring with his record strike, sweeping in a superb half-volley from Joao Cancelo's cross, and netted again before the break with a fine finish following Bruno Fernandes' perfectly-weighted through-ball. Only a goalline clearance from Abdukodir Khusanov denied Ronaldo a first-half hat-trick and, despite the efforts of his team-mates in the second half, their captain could not get the hat-trick he craved. How the last-32 matches look as it stands Play Sport's new World Cup predictor game Published9 JuneImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ronaldo has scored at 11 different major tournaments - five more than any other European player in history, with Germany's Jurgen Klinsmann and Miroslav Klose, as well as Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri, on sixWhen asked about his "I'm back" statement after the match, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said it was "only so they don't forget - 23 years like this".

"I'm very happy but the most important thing is the work the team did and the confidence it gives us," added Ronaldo. "Obviously personal records are always nice but my goal is always to help the team achieve its objectives. "We had to get through many obstacles during the week but the team worked very well, we improved a lot.

"It's been a difficult week, a dark week without kicking a ball, but we dealt with it as we always do because we believe in our work. It was difficult, but we're back. "Portugal will face Colombia on Sunday 28 June (00:30 BST) in their final match to determine who goes through from Group K and tops the standings.

And boss Roberto Martinez said Ronaldo had been vital in lifting spirits and maintaining standards after the disappointing draw with DR Congo.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.