Soccer
Portugal vs. Uzbekistan player ratings: Ageless icon makes his mark
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Portugal delivered a commanding response to their opening-draw concerns with a ruthless 5–0 dismantling of World Cup debutants Uzbekistan in Houston.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to reach 10 career World Cup goals, while Nuno Mendes added a cleverly worked free kick and substitute Rafael Leão struck late. Roberto Martínez's side dominated from the first whistle, with their set-piece preparation proving particularly decisive against opponents who could rarely escape sustained pressure.
DAZN News rates each set of players and our player of the match:
Portugal vs. Uzbekistan Player of the Match
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Ronaldo produced a match-defining performance with two expertly taken goals that set Portugal on course for a dominant victory.
His opener at 6' finished off João Cancelo's cross, and he doubled his tally at 39' on the counter-attack after Bruno Fernandes released him. Beyond the goals, he came agonisingly close to a hat-trick when Abdukodir Khusanov cleared off the line at 45+6', and forced saves from Nematov at 58' and 74'.
Portugal vs. Uzbekistan Player Ratings
Portugal
Diogo Costa (7.0): Rarely troubled but made important stop from Fayzullaev at 52'.
Nuno Mendes (8.5): Outstanding attacking display, scored deceiving free kick at 17'.
Renato Veiga (6.8): Solid in possession, helped maintain clean sheet despite late booking.
Rúben Dias (7.2): Commanded the defence and distributed calmly throughout.
João Cancelo (7.6): Provided assist for opener before half-time rotation.
João Neves (7.1): Controlled midfield with efficient passing and smart positioning.
Vitinha (7.3): Dictated tempo with excellent range and composure under pressure.
João Félix (6.7): Showed flashes but lacked end product, spurned better options.
Bruno Fernandes (8.1): Orchestrated attacks, assisted Ronaldo's second and commanded set pieces.
Pedro Neto (6.9): Drew foul leading to second goal, threatened before exit.
Cristiano Ronaldo (9.2): Match-defining brace, denied hat-trick by goal-line clearance.
Francisco Conceição (7.0): Energetic introduction, combined well down the right flank.
Nélson Semedo (6.8): Solid replacement for Cancelo, involved in fifth goal buildup.
Francisco Trincão (6.5): Neat link-up play but without creating clear-cut chances.
Bernardo Silva (6.6): Brief but composed cameo, helped maintain late control.
Rafael Leão (7.8): Instant impact, scored four minutes after introduction at 87'.
Uzbekistan
Abduvokhid Nematov (5.2): Made saves but scored unfortunate own goal from corner.
Rustam Ashurmatov (5.8): Blocked Ronaldo at 73' but constantly overwhelmed defensively.
Abdulla Abdullaev (5.5): Struggled to contain Portugal's relentless movement all match.
Abdukodir Khusanov (6.3): Standout defender, crucial goal-line clearance denied Ronaldo's hat-trick.
Sherzod Nasrullaev (5.3): Unable to make positive impact before half-time withdrawal.
Otabek Shukurov (5.7): Showed endeavour but overwhelmed in central midfield areas.
Eldor Shomurodov (5.5): Isolated up front, missed best chance from inside area.
Bekhruz Karimov (5.7): Covered ground but outclassed by Portugal's quality throughout.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev (6.4): Most threatening attacker, forced two saves from Diogo Costa.
Odildzhon Khamrobekov (5.0): Booked for foul on Neto, withdrawn at half-time.
Aziz Ganiev (5.9): Had goal disallowed by VAR, showed some attacking intent.
Khozhiakbar Alizhonov (5.6): Provided cover after introduction but couldn't stem tide.
Akmal Mozgovoy (5.5): Midfield industry in second half but limited positive impact.
Igor Sergeev (5.4): Quiet cameo after replacing Fayzullaev, unable to create.
Sherzod Esanov (5.3): Very late substitute with virtually no time to impact.
Ruslanbek Jiyanov (5.3): Minimal involvement after entering in stoppage time.
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