Portugal vs Uzbekistan LIVE: Under-fire Cristiano Ronaldo starts again after dismal World Cup opener

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The Independent

·23 giugno 2026

Portugal vs Uzbekistan LIVE: Under-fire Cristiano Ronaldo starts again after dismal World Cup opener

Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo will have a chance to respond to the criticism that followed a drab start to their World Cup campaign as they take on Uzbekistan in Houston.

A 1-1 draw with DR Congo was a lacklustre opener for Roberto Martinez’s side, and led to renewed scrutiny over the role of record scorer Ronaldo. Now 41, the forward looks set to keep his starting spot for this game as Portugal attempt to find the fluency they lacked in their last outing – and get the best out of a dynamic group of creative midfield talents.

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Their second Group K foes are tournament debutants Uzbekistan, managed by 2006 World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro. The Asian nation showed resilience in their opening fixture against Colombia, though eventually slipped to a 3-1 defeat and know they may face another tough encounter with a side tipped by some to go deep in the competition.