Cristiano Ronaldo Aims to Break Goal Drought Against Uzbekistan

Cristiano Ronaldo is on a mission to end his goal drought as Portugal prepares to face Uzbekistan in the FIFA World Cup. After struggling in the opening match against DR Congo, where he failed to score, Ronaldo's performance has come under scrutiny. Teammate Ruben Dias has defended him, calling the criticism mere 'noise' and emphasizing the team's focus on their objectives. Will Ronaldo find his scoring touch in this crucial match? Read on to find out more about the upcoming clash and the team's dynamics.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 23, 2026, 19:54 IST

Ronaldo Seeks to End Goal Drought

Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned Portuguese footballer, is determined to shake off a goal-scoring slump that has seen him go without a goal in his last 10 matches at major tournaments. He will be looking to change this as Portugal faces Uzbekistan in a crucial FIFA World Cup group stage match on Tuesday.

The 41-year-old forward had a disappointing performance in Portugal's opening game of the FIFA World Cup 2026 against DR Congo, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Ronaldo struggled to make a significant impact during the match.

In that game, he recorded only 25 touches, attempted three shots without finding the target, and won just one duel, indicating a strong defensive effort from DR Congo. This match marked one of the lowest levels of involvement in his World Cup career, with the second-fewest touches he has ever had in a World Cup starting appearance, showcasing his limited role in Portugal's offensive strategy.

According to statistics from OptaJoe, Ronaldo has managed just one assist and no goals in his last 10 matches in major tournaments, including the World Cup and UEFA Euro Championship. This is a stark contrast to his earlier performances, where he scored 22 goals and provided eight assists in his first 43 matches for Portugal.

With a record of 147 goals in 229 appearances, he remains the all-time leading scorer and appearance-maker for the national team.

Teammate Dias Downplays Criticism

In light of recent criticism aimed at Ronaldo, Portugal defender Ruben Dias has dismissed the negative chatter, referring to it as mere "noise" that is part of the football landscape.

After addressing the external discussions surrounding the veteran player, Dias emphasized that the team remains focused on their goals. "It is not an issue for us," he stated, as reported by a sports outlet. "It is insignificant, just a bit of fuss and noise. It is all part of the game."

"The criticism isn't solely aimed at one player. While Cristiano is often in the spotlight, we all face scrutiny. I believe this has always been the case since I joined the team, and it will continue. Ultimately, it is just noise. We choose to ignore it and concentrate on our performance," he added.