“I’m Back” — Ronaldo Silences Critics in Portugal’s Rout of Uzbekistan

Cristiano Ronaldo answered his critics in style on Tuesday, scoring twice as Portugal hammered Uzbekistan 5-0 to edge closer to the World Cup knockout rounds.

The Portuguese captain also made history by becoming the first player ever to score in six World Cup campaigns, with goals stretching back to the 2006 tournament.

Ronaldo struck just six minutes into the match in Houston, converting Joao Cancelo’s cross before launching into his famous “Siu” celebration in front of nearly 69,000 fans.

Portugal quickly took control of the contest, with Nuno Mendes adding a second goal before Ronaldo calmly netted again six minutes before halftime.

The brace lifted Ronaldo’s World Cup total to 10 goals, surpassing Portuguese icon Eusebio.

After the game, the 41-year-old was heard saying, “I’m back, I’m back,” following a week of intense scrutiny over his performances.

“It was a difficult week, a dark week,” Ronaldo told broadcasters.

“It seemed like I was already retired from football.

“But I held on, as always, because I believe more in hard work than in anything else.

“It was hard, I have to admit it, but we’re back.”

Ronaldo had come under pressure after missing chances in Portugal’s opening 1-1 draw with DR Congo, leading to calls for coach Roberto Martinez to leave him out of the starting lineup.

However, Martinez kept faith with his captain, and Ronaldo responded with a clinical display against the World Cup debutants coached by Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro.

Uzbekistan briefly thought they had scored through Azizjon Ganiev, but the effort was ruled out after VAR detected a foul on Cancelo earlier in the move.

Portugal later extended their advantage through an own goal before substitute Rafael Leao completed the scoring in the 87th minute.

Despite concerns about his form at major tournaments, Ronaldo recently enjoyed another productive season with Al Nassr, scoring 28 goals in 30 Saudi Pro League matches.

Portugal now prepare to face Colombia in their final Group K fixture on Saturday.

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