Ronaldo Scores Twice, Becomes First Player to Score in Six World Cups; Coach Praises 'Greatest Ever'

Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name further into World Cup history on Monday, scoring twice in Portugal's dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. The brace made him the first player ever to score in six different World Cup tournaments, a testament to his enduring career and impact on the global stage.

“

He is one of the greatest football players of all time.

Following the match, Uzbekistan's coach, Fabio Cannavaro, lauded Ronaldo's performance and status. "He is one of the greatest football players of all time," Cannavaro stated, addressing the recent scrutiny Ronaldo faced after a subdued performance in Portugal's opening match. Cannavaro defended the veteran forward, suggesting that perceptions of players moving to Asian leagues are misguided. "Many people think that for players like Ronaldo to go to Asia to play is a waste of time, but when you come to the World Cup, he proves that even at 41, he is still hungry for victory," he said, drawing a parallel to Lionel Messi's move to the United States.

“

Many people think that for players like Ronaldo to go to Asia to play is a waste of time, but when you come to the World Cup, he proves that even at 41, he is still hungry for victory.

Cannavaro, a legendary defender himself, detailed the challenges of marking Ronaldo. He highlighted Ronaldo's heightened awareness and constant movement in the penalty area, which allows him to consistently find the best opportunities. "Teammates will play around him, pass him the ball, so as a defender, you have to play smarter, you have to keep a close eye on him, because if you leave him even an inch of space in the box, you are done," Cannavaro explained.

“

He becomes more acute in the penalty area and runs frequently, always finding the best opportunities.

The Uzbek coach analyzed Ronaldo's two goals, describing the first as a product of intelligence and experience, where Ronaldo outmaneuvered defenders rather than confronting them directly. The second goal, he noted, showcased Ronaldo's mentality, demonstrating his full commitment to attacking even after already scoring.

“

His first goal today was a goal of intelligence; he didn't go head-to-head with the defenders but shook them off, a combination of experience and instinct.