Ronaldo late to World Cup party but still able to steal the show

Ronaldo late to World Cup party but still able to steal the showPortugal coach Martinez says Ronaldo’s rivalry with the likes of Messi drives both players to stay at their best.Cristiano Ronaldo finally joined the World Cup goal-scoring party by netting two for Portugal against Uzbekistan, putting behind him a difficult week and reminding fans that his predatory instincts around the box have not diminished.Ronaldo scored twice in the first half as Portugal romped to a 5-0 win on Tuesday, bringing relief to both the player and the team, who had come in for heavy criticism following a lacklustre 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of the Congo in their opener.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4‘Living the dream’: Iraqis proud of team despite World Cup loss to Francelist 2 of 4World Cup knockouts: Who has made it to the round of 32 stage?list 3 of 4Arab fans celebrate World Cup results in New Yorklist 4 of 4The Take: Who’s being left out of the World Cup?end of listRonaldo also had to watch Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe light up the tournament with their goals, but now has two of his own as he became the first player in history to score in six World Cups, and became Portugal’s leading scorer at the global finals, passing Eusebio.Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said Ronaldo’s rivalry with the likes of Messi is important for both players and drives them to stay at their best.“I believe both players have improved football over the years, and their rivalry is important for themselves to grow,” he said.“[Ronaldo] is an icon and a role model in the national team. He has a great attitude on the pitch and in the dressing room.“Not just the scoring – the passes, the chances created – he is a role model when it comes to the World Cup.”Ronaldo appeared to shout, “I’m back!” at the television cameras as he left the pitch following his two goals, but Martinez said he has never seen the player doubt himself.“He is a human being and is allowed to have feelings,” he said. “I have never worked with a player that says, whatever happens today, tomorrow he is hungry to work again.