Ferdinand gloats after Ronaldo brace at World Cup
USA. Former teammate Rio Ferdinand excited after watching Cristiano Ronaldo shine, helping Portugal crush Uzbekistan 5-0 in second round of World Cup 2026 group stage.
Ferdinand repeatedly posted positive messages on social media after each Ronaldo goal. Former Man Utd center-back praised Ronaldo's movement and clinical finishing, comparing him to striker 15 years younger - Erling Haaland.
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"To all critics out there: Shut up!", Ferdinand said in video posted on X, questioning why critics doubt player nearing 1,000-goal milestone, breaking Portugal's World Cup scoring record, and setting record scoring in six different tournaments.
Ferdinand (left) in interview with Ronaldo in 2024. Photo: CR7
After opening 1-1 draw against DR Congo, Ronaldo faced heavy criticism. Many argued 41-year-old striker too old, should start on bench and yield starting spot to younger players.
However, in second match night of June 23, Ronaldo scored brace helping Portugal crush Uzbekistan. He became top Portugal scorer in World Cup history with 10 goals - breaking old record of 9 goals by legend Eusebio.
Most major newspapers praised Ronaldo's performance. "Ronaldo joins record race with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Haaland", Spanish news agency EFE wrote. Day before Ronaldo shone, Messi set record of 18 World Cup goals, while Mbappe became top scorer for France, similar to Haaland for Norway.
British newspaper Guardian highlighted Ronaldo ending 10-match goal drought in major tournaments (Euros, World Cup, and Nations League). Paper also questioned whether, with Messi scoring five goals at age 39, this year's tournament becoming race for football veterans.
Another British paper, Independent, wrote Ronaldo silenced critics who targeted him after Portugal's draw with DR Congo.
Cristiano Ronaldo (number 7) celebrates opening goal in Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan match, World Cup 2026 Group K, Houston, USA, June 23. Photo: AP
According to Spanish sports paper AS, Ronaldo once again did what he usually does: respond with goals or excellent performances after criticism. Similarly, Marca and Diario Sport viewed brace against Uzbekistan as relief and fitting answer to doubters.
France's top sports daily L'Equipe was only major media outlet going against trend, arguing public focused too much on Ronaldo's two goals while forgetting Uzbekistan barely resisted and lost too easily. This match, Asian team took only 7 shots, with two on target posing little danger. Their expected goals (xG) reached only 0.25 - compared to Portugal's 2.41.
Ronaldo played for Portugal since 2003, setting two records of 230 appearances and 145 goals, helping team win first titles at Euro 2016, Nations League 2019 and 2025. Including club level, Ronaldo holds record of 975 goals.
Currently, Portugal has four points after first two matches of Group K World Cup 2026. If they beat Colombia on June 27, Ronaldo and teammates advance as group winners. In round of 16, they will face one of five third-placed teams from groups D, E, I, J, and L.
Ronaldo's opening goal in Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan match, World Cup 2026 Group K, night of June 23.
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