Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up on a deeply difficult week that came before his record-breaking brace against Uzbekistan. He described the days after Portugal’s opening draw with DR Congo as one of the darkest periods of his career before producing one of his most memorable performances.
The 41-year-old became the first player to score in six different World Cups during Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan in Houston on June 23. After the match, Ronaldo spoke openly about the criticism he faced following a quiet display in the 1-1 draw with DR Congo a week earlier.
“It was a tough week, a dark one,” Ronaldo told reporters after the match. “It started as if I had retired from football. But I held on as I always hold on because I believe in work more than football. It was tough, I have to admit, but we came back.”
Ronaldo answered his critics in style. He scored twice, had seven shots, put five on target and earned the player of the match award. His famous SIUU celebration echoed around NRG Stadium twice as Portugal cruised to victory in front of 68,777 fans.
Despite his personal achievements, Ronaldo focused on the team’s performance.
“I am very happy. But for me, the most important thing is our work and the confidence we showed. The team performed really well and has significantly improved. As they say, every cloud has a silver lining.”
The Portugal captain also played down the importance of individual records.
“Of course, speaking personally, records are always nice, but my goal is always to help the national team achieve its objectives.”
Ronaldo also responded to those who doubted him after the opening match.
“Noise from outside is always like this,” he said. “I know that whoever works hard, God helps him.”
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez praised both his captain and the team’s reaction after the criticism that followed the draw with DR Congo.
“The team performed really well and showed the response we had in the dressing room. There are times when you need a game like the first one in order to grow in the tournament. Today we saw greater maturity.”
Portugal will now face Colombia in their final Group K match, with Ronaldo once again proving that reports of his decline may have come too soon.
