Cristiano Ronaldo scores record-setting goal in Houston
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Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring his team's first goal in the match between Portugal and Uzbekistan. Photo: Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images
Thousands of Cristiano Ronaldo fans from across the world came to Houston hoping to see their favorite player score at the World Cup — and he delivered, scoring twice and leading Portugal to a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan.
Why it matters: Ronaldo, 41, made history Tuesday, becoming the first men's player to score in six World Cups.
- Fans also got to see his signature celebration after his goals, with the crowd yelling "Siuuu" with him. Many fans told Axios it was a dream.
The big picture: Portugal and Ronaldo needed a statement performance after settling for a disappointing draw against Congo in their tournament opener. Critics questioned whether the veteran star could still dominate.
- On Tuesday, Ronaldo showed he's still got it.
- Portugal has never won a World Cup.
What they're saying: "We shut a lot of mouths. People [after the Congo match] were saying 'he's too old, he's not playing at his best anymore.' Seeing him still play at that high level is really amazing," says Ian Cardona.
- Cardona flew in from Puerto Rico with his brother, Juan, and both said they've been fans of Ronaldo since they learned about soccer. "This was a bucket list kinda thing."
- "I'm very grateful I was able to see him brace. I was grateful with the first one, so I'm even more grateful, especially after the criticism," Miguel Rivera tells Axios.
- "I'm blessed to be able to see that in person. It's my first time seeing him. I've been a fan since, like, forever," Rivera adds.
The other side: For Uzbekistan, this is a first World Cup appearance — and its fans are making the most of it.
- Javokhir Arifov of Tashkent, Uzbekistan's capital, attended the match with his father, Bakhodir. The pair marched to the stadium alongside supporters on horseback, saying, "We're starting new traditions."
- They plan to follow Uzbekistan to Atlanta for its next match, adding the trip in total is costing about $10,000 per person.
- Alibek Tuleev traveled from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with a group of friends to support what he called a brother country. "We show up for Central Asia," he said, adding he's spending about $8,000 to attend several World Cup matches.
What's next: Houston's last group stage match is Friday, with Saudi Arabia facing Cape Verde.