2026 World Cup: Portugal sweeps aside Uzbekistan

23.06.26 FT World Cup

Portugal

5

:

Uzbekistan

0

Heavily criticized after the draw against DR Congo (1-1) last Wednesday, Portugal delivered the perfect answer against Uzbekistan (5-0) this Tuesday at Houston's NRG Stadium, as part of Matchday 2 in Group K of this 2026 World Cup.

Right from the start, Portugal was justly rewarded as Cancelo whipped in a cross for Ronaldo to finish (1-0, 6’). The Portuguese captain became the first player in history to score in six different editions of the World Cup. Just minutes later, from a set piece, Mendes doubled the lead with a powerful strike (2-0, 17’).

Before half-time, Ronaldo, played in behind by Fernandes, bagged his brace with a well-placed finish (3-0, 39’). Back from the break, off a corner, Uzbekistan’s goalkeeper failed to rescue his side and inadvertently sent the ball into his own net after a scramble (4-0, 60’).

Late in the match, Portugal put the icing on the cake with Leao’s thunderbolt into the top corner (5-0, 87’). A resounding and thoroughly deserved victory, despite a last-ditch save from Nematov to deny Semedo.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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