‘I’m back’: Ronaldo scores at sixth World Cup as Portugal run riot

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cup campaigns and silenced his critics after “a dark week” as the Portugal captain struck twice in a 5-0 annihilation of Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

The big win in Houston put Portugal on the brink of the knockout rounds and was a resounding response to the 41-year-old’s doubters.

Ronaldo’s goal after six minutes made history — trumping even Lionel Messi — by scoring at six World Cups stretching back to 2006.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus ace pulled out his trademark “Siu” celebration and let out a throaty roar in front of 68,777 fans.

After Nuno Mendes made it 2-0, Ronaldo neatly got his second with a cool finish six minutes before the break.

That took him to 10 World Cup goals, more than any other Portuguese player including the great Eusebio.

Ronaldo was seen saying, “I’m back, I’m back”, and told broadcasters: “It’s always nice to break records, but my goal is to help the national team achieve its objectives.”

He added: “It was a difficult week, a dark week. 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 came into the group encounter against tournament debutants Uzbekistan with 143 goals, the most in international men’s football.

But once widely regarded as a competitor to Messi for the unofficial title of best player, his powers have been on the wane at the highest level.

He had limited service in the disappointing 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo to start Portugal’s World Cup title bid.

But when he did have two chances he missed the target, igniting calls for coach Roberto Martinez to drop him.

His travails in front of goal were in glaring contrast to the likes of Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, who all made lightning starts to the World Cup.

But Martinez has stuck defiantly by his skipper, who was given a rapturous reception when he came out to warm up at Houston Stadium, and again each time he appeared on the big screens.