Man City 2026 World Cup Watch: Ruben Dias and Portugal cruise to Uzbekistan demolition job

Ruben Dias completed the 90 minutes as Portugal cruised beyond Uzbekistan, putting Abdukodir Khusanov and his teammates in a precarious position in the group.

Portugal silenced critics of their opening round stalemate against DR Congo by dismantling World Cup debutants Uzbekistan in a comprehensive 5-0 rout in Houston. The headline-grabbing display belonged entirely to Cristiano Ronaldo, who entered the history books as the first player ever to find the back of the net in six separate World Cup tournaments.

The 41-year-old initiated the scoring just six minutes in, showcasing sharp movement to sweep a low Joao Cancelo cross past the keeper at the near post, cementing his legacy as the second-oldest goalscorer in the competition’s history – sitting only behind Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who scored at 42-years-old during the 1994 finals against Russia.

The European giants dominated the first half, extending their cushion in the 17th minute when Nuno Mendes cleverly drilled a low, 20-yard free-kick directly into the back of the net.

Uzbekistan briefly thought they had manufactured a lifeline via a spectacular strike from Aziz G’aniev, but the celebrations were cut short after VAR assisted in ruling it out due to an Abbosbek Fayzullaev foul on Cancelo. Capitalising on the reprieve, Portugal grabbed a third.

Bruno Fernandes took possession in the centre and slipped a pass to Ronaldo, who guided a precise, low finish into the bottom corner for his second of the night and his 10th overall career World Cup goal across appearances in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022.

Goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov scored an own goal for Portugal’s fourth, before substitute Rafael Leao smashed home a fifth.

Matheus Nunes match statistics vs Uzbekistan

Unused from the bench.

Ruben Dias match statistics vs Uzbekistan

90 Minutes
74 Touches
62 Accurate Passes
98% Pass Accuracy
4 Ground Duels Won
3 Recoveries
3 Clearances
3 Aerial Duels Won
3 Passes Into Final Third
2 Tackles
2 Headed Clearances
1 Was Fouled
1 Interception
1 Last Man Tackle
1 Successful Dribble
1 Accurate Long Ball

Bernardo Silva match statistics vs Uzbekistan

20 Minutes
20 Touches
19 Accurate Passes
100% Pass Accuracy
4 Passes Into Final Third
3 Recoveries
1 Interception

Abdukodir Khusanov match statistics vs Portugal

90 Minutes
39 Touches
21 Accurate Passes
91% Pass Accuracy
4 Recoveries
4 Interceptions
3 Clearances
1 Block
1 Ground Duel Won
1 Headed Clearance
1 Successful Dribble
1 Cleared Off The Line

Data courtesy of FotMob.