![Hon. Festus Keyamo SAN arrives MMIA past 11:50 p.m. Feb 23 to lead oversight of Terminal 1 fire. Joined FAAN MD & team actively managing situation. Directed morning inspection Tuesday to guide restoration & confirm safety standards. Reaffirmed focus on passenger safety. Story: [link] #KeyamoMMIA #FireIncident #FAAN](https://fullcliphq.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mym-150x150.jpg "MMIA Fire: Keyamo Inspects Lagos Airport After Terminal 1 Blaze Disrupts Flights")
Portugal delivered a ruthless attacking display to thrash debutants Uzbekistan 5-0 at NRG Stadium, bouncing back strongly from their opening draw and reasserting themselves as serious contenders in Group K.
Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41, led the charge with a first-half brace, while goals from Nuno Mendes, an own goal, and a late strike by Rafael Leão completed the rout in front of a passionate Portuguese-dominated crowd.
Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a composed finish and added his second in the 39th minute, showing the movement and sharpness that have defined his remarkable career.
Nuno Mendes made it 2-0 in the 17th minute with a clinical strike that highlighted Portugal’s overlapping full-back play. Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov turned a shot into his own net in the 60th minute, before Rafael Leão rounded off the scoring in the 87th minute with a confident finish.
The performance was a marked improvement from Portugal’s 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their first match. Coach Roberto Martínez’s side controlled the game from the outset, showcasing both attacking depth and midfield creativity through players like Bruno Fernandes, João Félix, Pedro Neto, and Vitinha.
Uzbekistan, coached by Fabio Cannavaro, offered spirited resistance early on but were overwhelmed by Portugal’s pace and quality. The Central Asians, who had lost 1-3 to Colombia in their tournament debut, struggled to contain the European side’s attacking waves and leave Houston with a heavy defeat and no points.
Portugal now head into their final group game against Colombia on June 27 in Miami with renewed confidence and a healthy goal difference that could prove vital in the race for knockout qualification.
Ronaldo’s brace took his international tally deeper into record territory and silenced questions about his place in the squad. The result also sends a clear message across the tournament: the Selecção, reigning UEFA Nations League champions and pre-tournament favourites, possess the firepower to go deep in this expanded World Cup.