HOUSTON: Cristiano Ronaldo declared “I’m back” and said those “attacking” him should never write him off after making World Cup history in a 5-0 hammering of Uzbekistan on Tuesday in Houston.
The 41-year-old, under pressure to deliver after a barren recent run at major tournaments, pounced after six minutes to become the first player to score in six World Cup campaigns.
He added a second with a smart finish before halftime as Roberto Martinez’s side ran riot against limited opposition.
The five-star display was in stark contrast to a stale 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo in which Ronaldo was labored and largely anonymous.
That sparked renewed calls in some quarters for Martinez to drop the veteran captain, with Ronaldo, the coach and the team all facing flak at home.
