The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward scored twice at NRG Stadium in Houston, helping Portugal secure their first win of the tournament after opening their campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo.

Ronaldo opened the scoring in the sixth minute when he met a cross from João Cancelo with a first-time finish from close range. The goal ensured that he became the first footballer to find the net in six separate World Cup tournaments, adding another milestone to a career already filled with records.

Portugal doubled their advantage in the 17th minute through Nuno Mendes, who surprised the Uzbek defence with a cleverly worked free-kick routine. Ronaldo struck again six minutes before halftime, finishing a swift counterattack after being set up by Bruno Fernandes to give Portugal a comfortable 3-0 lead at the break.

The Portuguese continued to dominate after the restart. Uzbekistan's goalkeeper Abduvokhid Nematov was credited with an own goal in the 60th minute after a Portugal free-kick caused confusion in the penalty area. Rafael Leão completed the rout in the 87th minute with a close-range finish.

Uzbekistan thought they had pulled a goal back in the first half when Azizjon Ganiev found the net from long range, but the effort was ruled out following a VAR review that identified a foul in the build-up.

Beyond his historic achievement, Ronaldo also surpassed legendary striker Eusebio to become Portugal's all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 10 goals. He is now the second-oldest player to score in a World Cup match, behind only Cameroon's Roger Milla, who scored at the age of 42 during the 1994 tournament.

The veteran striker's performance came just days after he faced criticism for a subdued display against DR Congo, where he failed to register a shot on target.

Speaking after the match, Ronaldo said he was unfazed by the scrutiny.

"It was a very tough week, a difficult week," he said. "The public criticism was very harsh on us, all the players and especially on me and the coach. But that's how it is."

He added: "Whenever things are going well, Cristiano is great. When they're not, he's finished and too old. It will always be that way."

The victory lifted Portugal to four points from two matches and strengthened their position in Group K as they seek a place in the knockout stage. Colombia lead the group with six points after defeating DR Congo 1-0.

Portugal will conclude their group-stage campaign against Colombia on June 28, while Uzbekistan, still searching for their first point of the tournament, face DR Congo on the same day.