Cristiano Ronaldo is back, and once again, he has responded to his critics in the only way he knows how - by scoring goals. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner went into the clash against Uzbekistan under intense scrutiny, and the relief on his face after opening the scoring said it all.
Ronaldo answered questions about his age, influence, and ability to make a difference at the highest level with a clinical brace. Ahead of the match, Ronaldo was enduring a 10-game goal drought for Portugal in major international tournaments.
Roberto Martinez has built a system that maximises Ronaldo's strengths, and it paid off against Uzbekistan. The team's midfield trio of Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Bruno Fernandes showcased their quality, allowing Portugal to dominate possession and consistently feed Ronaldo in dangerous areas.
The match highlighted how much easier Ronaldo's job becomes when Portugal's midfield is allowed to dictate play. Uzbekistan's defensive line looked vulnerable throughout the contest, and Ronaldo sensed those weaknesses almost immediately.
His runs constantly stretched the defence, and the uncertainty among the Uzbek defenders became more evident as the game progressed. Portugal eventually made them pay when Nuno Mendes unleashed a stunning strike from a free kick to double the lead early in the match.
Martinez adapted and Portugal succeeded, producing a near-flawless performance. The team's willingness to make tactical adjustments and allow their midfielders the freedom to dictate games will give them every reason to believe that this could finally be the year Ronaldo and Portugal lift the FIFA World Cup.
