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Cristiano Ronaldo out to build on record-breaking brace against Uzbekistan in Group K decider

Cristiano Ronaldo will be rejuvenated as he leads Portugal against Colombia in a key World Cup clash tonight.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner scored twice in Tuesday’s 5-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan in Houston, triumphantly bellowing “I’m back” twice at the television cameras after more heavy criticism of his undisputed starting role in the team that occurred following a frustrating opening 1-1 draw with DR Congo.

It was a defiant response to his detractors and eased some of the pressure on head coach Roberto Martinez, who has steadfastly refused to remotely even consider dropping one of the greatest footballers in history despite the perceived negative impacts on his team’s style of play and effectiveness that date back to Euro 2024.

There will be no doubts around Ronaldo’s starting berth on Saturday as Portugal take on Colombia in Miami, needing a victory to secure top spot in Group K.

Two points currently separate the two nations after two games, with Colombia having beaten both Uzbekistan and DR Congo to sit top.

Answering his critics: Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in Portugal’s 5-0 drubbing of Uzbekistan at the World Cup

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The winners of the group will face a third-place qualifier in the round of 32, while the runners-up will meet the second-place team from England’s group - Group L.

It is hard to imagine Martinez making too many changes to a star-studded team that scored five last time out after such an underwhelming opening display, having brought in the returning Ruben Dias and Joao Felix for Tomas Araujo and Bernardo Silva for their second group contest.

However, arguably Portugal’s strongest-ever major tournament squad is blessed with a plethora of quality options both in midfield and attack, with the likes of Silva, Rafael Leao, Trincao and Francisco Conceicao all used off the bench against Uzbekistan and ready to start if required.

Benfica centre-back Araujo also returned to training on Wednesday following a knock, with Martinez appearing to have the luxury of a fully-fit squad to choose from in Florida.

Colombia’s attack will be led as usual by Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez, while Sporting striker Luis Suarez is expected to be fit after an injury that saw him substituted before the hour mark in the 1-0 win over DR Congo in Mexico.

If Suarez was not ready to start, then Jhon Cordoba would be his likely replacement up top.