In the second match of Group K at the FIFA World Cup, Portugal secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace and was named the official Player of the Match after full-time. He then gave an interview to Portuguese broadcaster TVI.
On his brace and the big win
Cristiano Ronaldo: “I’m absolutely delighted, but what matters most to me is the hard work the team has put in and the confidence we hold. We endured a wave of heavy criticism this past week, and we all knew it was coming. Still, the side performed brilliantly, and we have improved tremendously.”
On breaking Eusébio’s long-standing record for most World Cup goals by a Portuguese player
Cristiano Ronaldo: “As I always say, negative experiences can bring positive outcomes. Personally, breaking this record is an incredible feeling, yet my main goal is to help the national team hit its targets. Our priority at this group stage is qualification, and I believe four points are enough to secure our spot. I could not be happier.”
Did you expect to end your goal drought?
Cristiano Ronaldo: “I knew this day would come. God rewards those who work tirelessly, and I also knew my teammates would back me up. This has been an extremely tough, dark week. It honestly felt as if my playing career was already over, but I pushed through just as I always have. Hard work means more to me than anything else. I have to admit it was agonising, yet we are back to our best.”
On shouting "I'm back!" after the match
Cristiano Ronaldo: “It was simply to make sure nobody forgets what I’m capable of.”
Isn’t this the perfect response to all the criticism you’ve faced?
Cristiano Ronaldo: “It has always been this way, for the past 23 years of my career.”
On team unity and hostile comments across social media
Cristiano Ronaldo: "I talk with my teammates constantly. All the noise coming from outside is out of our control, and our greatest strength is focusing only on ourselves. That is what I strive to do every single day. This week has been brutal; the criticism was relentless, especially aimed at me… But I have 24 years of professional football behind me, so I can cope with it well. Every critical remark carries a chance for us to grow and improve.
We train relentlessly and stay fully focused. What truly counts are the people inside this squad and our families. Most of the noise from the outside world is purely negative. I’m thrilled to have found the back of the net, yet the team performance takes precedence. The players stand united and support one another, exactly what we set out to achieve. We know that when we play together like this, opponents will struggle to contain us."
Was your free-kick goal a statement of collective team unity?
Cristiano Ronaldo: “I was originally meant to take that free kick, but I told Nuno: ‘Let’s trick the goalkeeper into thinking I’ll strike it. Hit it with power, and it will go in.’ I said before kick-off that we must stick together from start to finish. We can only control what happens on the pitch; external negativity is impossible to manage. Any of us can get on the scoresheet, and that is our collective objective. I was today’s Player of the Match, but tomorrow it could be someone else. If we remain united, I firmly believe we can go far in this tournament.”
