Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals, leading Portugal to a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in their second Group K match of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers on 23/6. This performance allowed Ronaldo to break two of Lionel Messi's World Cup records, including becoming the first player to score in six World Cup tournaments.
"It wasn't just about the two goals," Martinez stated after the match. "He created many opportunities, moved intelligently, occupied important positions, and opened up space for his teammates. Ronaldo possesses high tactical discipline to be a reference point in the attacking system."
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Coach Roberto Martinez (in black) instructs Portugal players during their 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in the second match of Group K, World Cup 2026, at Houston Stadium on 23/6. *AP*
The Spanish coach explained that Portugal's playing style emphasizes ball control, applying pressure, and exploiting positional flexibility. However, he stressed the ongoing need for a central striker capable of finishing chances – a role Ronaldo is effectively fulfilling. "We need a player in the penalty area who can stretch the defense and finish plays. Ronaldo perfectly meets that requirement," Martinez emphasized.
Martinez also expressed satisfaction with the Portugal captain's professional attitude. He revealed that Ronaldo consistently focuses on recovery and preparing for the next match, rather than external factors. "What makes him special is the simplicity of his approach. After each game, he immediately thinks about the next one," he added.
Despite Portugal's dominant 4-0 lead from the 60th minute, Ronaldo played the entire match, while forwards Goncalo Ramos and Goncalo Guedes remained on the bench. When questioned about this, Martinez affirmed that Ronaldo's physical condition is managed on a match-by-match and training-by-training basis, suitable for the demanding schedule. He noted that the player maintains excellent physical fitness at the club level.
Ronaldo scored the opening goal.
The 52-year-old coach admitted that the Portugal national team had a difficult week following criticism, but highlighted that the squad responded positively with a convincing performance. According to Martinez, the biggest difference between the first two matches lay in emotional control. He stated that in the opening match, a 0-0 draw against Congo, the team lost stability after scoring an early goal. In contrast, against Uzbekistan, the entire squad maintained focus and tactical discipline throughout the match.
"We play better when we control our emotions. Today, the entire team maintained clarity in tactical execution, including the players who came off the bench," the Spanish coach said.
Martinez stressed that the improvement did not come from a few short days but was the result of an extended working process. According to him, recent adjustments primarily involved psychological fine-tuning and strengthening internal cohesion, helping the team overcome external noise.
Nuno Mendes scored a free-kick goal.
Addressing the role of set pieces, Martinez highly praised assistant Austin MacPhee, who was acknowledged by the players after two goals came from set pieces. These were Nuno Mendes's free-kick that made it 2-0 and Abduvohid Nematov's own goal from a right-wing corner. Martinez considers this evidence of the focus and organization in training, factors that make a difference in a match.
Hong Duy (from Abola)
