US - According to teammate Pedro Neto, helping Cristiano Ronaldo score is very important for the Portugal team and their journey to conquer the 2026 World Cup. - VnExpress

Pedro Neto: 'Scoring is Ronaldo's life'

US - According to teammate Pedro Neto, helping Cristiano Ronaldo score is crucial for Portugal and 2026 World Cup campaign.

Ronaldo plays for Portugal since 2003, holding record of 145 goals in 230 international matches. Including club level, he has most goals in history (975 goals).

In most recent match, Ronaldo shined with brace, helping Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0 to stay competitive in Group K. CR7 became top Portuguese scorer in World Cup history with 10 goals, breaking late legend Eusebio's record of 9 goals. He is also player to score in most different World Cups, with six tournaments from 2006 to 2026.

According to Neto, if captain scores, pressure is lifted, things go smoothly, and team wins easier. "Scoring is Ronaldo's life. We want him to score. Great if we help him satisfy that," Neto said.

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Neto (left) celebrates goal with Ronaldo (number 7) and teammates in Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan match, Group K World Cup 2026, in Houston, US on June 23. Photo: AP

Neto (left) celebrates with Ronaldo (number 7) and teammates in Portugal win over Uzbekistan, Group K World Cup 2026, in Houston, US on June 23. Photo: AP

Portugal has four points, second in Group K, two points behind Colombia. To advance as group leaders, they must beat Colombia on June 27. Then, in round of 16, Portugal will face one of five third-placed teams in groups D, E, I, J, and L. If advancing as runners-up, they face Group L runner-up, likely Ghana or Croatia. Ronaldo and teammates can also advance in third place, but must face Group L winner England.

Portugal squad includes Francisco Trincao, among rare players to play with both Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Winger was teammate of Messi at Barca during 2020-2023. Internationally, forward born in 1999 joined Portugal team in 2020, playing alongside Ronaldo multiple times.

In press conference before match against Colombia, Trincao was asked about playing with two biggest modern stars. "Both have leadership qualities, enter matches with hunger to win, desire to be best. They maintained top level for 20 years. For me, great to watch Cristiano daily, see how he works. He always wants Portugal to win," Trincao said.

Main events of Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan match.

Also in pre-match interview, Ruben Neves was surprised by question from Bangladesh reporter - Asian country never participating in World Cup. "Wherever we go, we feel Ronaldo's influence," Portuguese midfielder replied. "We know Portugal has fans worldwide, very special feeling for team."

Regarding Colombia match, Neves believes weather will not favor opponent, as Portugal had enough time to adapt to hot, humid Miami conditions. 29-year-old midfielder also said he is used to this climate from playing for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

Neves rates Colombia strong opponent but believes Portugal studied their play, prepared multiple attack options. He emphasized team goal is winning all three group matches before thinking about knockout opponents. Though not yet playing in World Cup 2026, Neves claims ready when given chance. According to him, coach Roberto Martinez stressed team has no concept of bench players, as every member has role throughout tournament.