Bruno Fernandes says it was important for everyone in the Portugal camp to see Cristiano Ronaldo on the scoresheet at the World Cup, after he became the first player to net at six different editions of the tournament on Tuesday.

Ronaldo's place in Roberto Martinez's team had been questioned following a 1-1 draw with DR Congo on matchday one, but he responded in style against Uzbekistan.

The 41-year-old slammed in a volley at the near post to open the scoring, then after Nuno Mendes curled in a delightful free-kick – from which Ronaldo played a decoy role – Portugal's all-time leading scorer slotted a neat finish across goal to make it 3-0.

An Abduvohid Nematov own goal and a crashing finish from substitute Rafael Leao completed the 5-0 rout in the second half, with Ronaldo passing up multiple chances for his hat-trick.

He had seven shots, which was more than double the amount recorded by any other player, while his 1.6 expected goals (xG), 10 touches in the opposition area and five big chances were also the most by anyone on the pitch.

Having also netted at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments, Ronaldo is the first player to score at six World Cups, while his 10 goals in total at the finals are the most of any Portugal player, overhauling Eusebio, whose nine strikes all came in 1966.

And despite some pundits suggesting Ronaldo's presence could cause unrest in Portugal's dressing room, Fernandes insists all of his team-mates were pleased for him. 

"It was important for our captain to score," Fernandes said of Ronaldo. "It was important for us that he scored. He's our go-to player in attack. We're very happy for him."

Fernandes assisted Ronaldo's second goal with a driving run over midfield and a pinpoint through-ball, as well as teeing up another opportunity for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in the second half – though those were the only chances he created.

The Manchester United star – who broke the Premier League single-season assist record in 2025-26 with 21 – was pleased to get a goal involvement and is sure he will find himself among the scorers as the World Cup progresses.

"It's always special to get an assist with the national team, especially at the World Cup, which is a special tournament," Fernandes added. 

"What matters is that Portugal scores, whether it's me or not. We managed to score a lot of goals, and we're happy about that. 

"I'm here to set up my team-mates up, that's part of my game, regardless of whether I score or not.

"I believe my moment will come, and that it will be at a time when it's truly needed."