Ronaldo praised for having '200 IQ'
US - Striker Cristiano Ronaldo received praise for Portugal's second goal in their 5-0 win over Uzbekistan in the second matchday of Group K at the 2026 World Cup.
In the 17th minute, at Houston stadium, Portugal was awarded a free kick right on the edge of the 16m50 box. After a brief discussion, Ronaldo and left-back Nuno Mendes stood over the ball. When everyone thought the striker born in 1985 would shoot, Mendes unexpectedly struck it with his left foot, sending the ball past the side of the wall and into the net, leaving the Uzbekistan goalkeeper helpless.
Advertisement
Stay
Playback speed
1x NormalQuality
AutoBack322p240p144pAutoBack0.25x0.5x1x Normal1.5x2x
/
"Ronaldo uses 200 IQ tactic to help Portugal score", British newspaper Sportbible headlined.
- Ronaldo combines with Mendes for free-kick goal.
Ronaldo's actions before the free kick were as usual, such as quickly grabbing the ball, taking his familiar steps back to prepare for the shot, or taking a deep breath. "But he only played the role of a 'decoy'", the article on The Athletic read.
Football360 Australia commented: "Ronaldo is often criticized for seeking attention, but this action shows a different side of the Portugal captain. However, he also reminded everyone of his role during the celebration, pointing to his head to assert that the plan had succeeded."
The Portuguese superstar admitted this. In an interview with O Jogo after the match, Ronaldo said: "I intended to shoot but discussed with my teammate to trick the goalkeeper. The plan was for Nuno to shoot hard, and it would definitely be a goal."
Many famous players also praised this decision by CR7. "Ronaldo is not just an excellent striker. He is also a great actor who fooled me," former England international Lee Dixon commented on ITV. "The goalkeeper was also fooled. He should have saved Mendes's shot, but was distracted by Ronaldo."
Nuno Mendes (number 25) celebrates the second goal for Portugal in the match against Uzbekistan in Group K of the 2026 World Cup at Houston stadium on June 23. Photo: AP
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who usually dislikes Ronaldo, was also surprised by the Portuguese striker's out-of-character action. "All the stars have shown their best at the World Cup. This team performance has had a positive impact on Portugal," the Swedish football legend told US channel Fox Soccer.
The brace in this match also helped Ronaldo become the first player to score in 6 World Cups. With 10 goals, Ronaldo also broke a 60-year-old record, becoming the top Portuguese goalscorer at the World Cup. The old record belonged to the late legend Eusebio with 9 goals in 6 matches at the 1966 tournament.
The 58th minute against Uzbekistan also witnessed an impressive free-kick routine by Portugal. From about 30 meters, Ronaldo took a run-up but did not shoot, instead rushing straight into the penalty box to receive a chipped pass from Bruno Fernandes. The 41-year-old captain volleyed hard, but the ball went straight at the Uzbekistan goalkeeper.
Portugal's variety of set-piece routines was also aided by Austin MacPhee. The Scottish specialist, dubbed the "dead-ball wizard" and obsessed with set pieces, has achieved success at Aston Villa, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
After two matchdays, Portugal is second in Group K with 4 points, 2 points behind Colombia. The two teams will face each other in the final matchday on August 28.
In the round of 32, the winner of Group K will face one of the third-placed teams. Meanwhile, the runner-up of Group K will face the winner of Group L – likely England.
Ronaldo, Messi in the best XI of the second matchday of World Cup 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are present, while Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland were not selected for the best XI of the second matchday of the 2026 World Cup group stage, according to Brazilian newspaper Globo Esporte. 75
Cannavaro: 'You will pay the price if you give Ronaldo an inch of space'
According to coach Fabio Cannavaro, Uzbekistan players were warned about the danger of Cristiano Ronaldo but could not resist, leading to a 0-5 loss to Portugal at the 2026 World Cup. 111
Ronaldo's sister: 'Now what will the hypocrites say?'
After Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0 in the second matchday of the 2026 World Cup group stage, Elma gloated, taking to social media platform X to hit back at critics of her brother Cristiano Ronaldo. 259
Ronaldo cuts off question about Messi
Cristiano Ronaldo cut off a reporter's question about Lionel Messi after scoring a brace to help Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0 in the second matchday of Group K at the 2026 World Cup. 276
Fernandes: 'Portugal understands the importance of Ronaldo scoring'
Midfielder Bruno Fernandes still views Cristiano Ronaldo as the most important pillar in Portugal's attack, and is happy that his senior teammate scored to relieve pressure at the 2026 World Cup. 97