Uzbekistan's national football team lost 0-5 to Portugal in their second group stage match of the World Cup, held on June 23 in Houston, USA.
Portugal opened the scoring in the 6th minute: Joao Cancelo passed to Cristiano Ronaldo inside the box, and the striker fired a precise shot into the bottom corner past goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov.
In the 17th minute, Portugal doubled their lead. Odiljon Hamrobekov committed a foul near the box, resulting in a dangerous free kick. Nuno Mendes took the shot, curling the ball around the wall into the left post — 2-0.
Uzbekistan had a chance to reduce the deficit in the 29th minute. Azizbek Ganiyev picked up a loose ball and unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box into the top corner. However, after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed due to a foul by Abbosbek Fayzullayev in the buildup.
Before halftime, Portugal scored a third goal. In the 39th minute, Bruno Fernandes found Cristiano Ronaldo unmarked in the box, and Ronaldo slotted home his second of the match.
In the second half, coach Fabio Cannavaro made two substitutions: Akmal Mozgovoy replaced Odiljon Hamrobekov, and Khojiakbar Alijonov came on for Sherzod Nasrullayev.
Portugal made it 4-0 in the 60th minute. After a defensive clearance, Portugal earned a corner, which Bruno Fernandes delivered. The ball deflected off Abdukodir Khusanov and then off goalkeeper Nematov's hand into the net — an own goal credited to Nematov.
The final goal came in the 87th minute from Rafael Leao. After a rebound, the ball fell to him on the edge of the box, and the midfielder fired into the top corner, leaving Nematov with no chance.
After two matches, Uzbekistan has yet to earn a point: in the first round, Cannavaro's side lost 1-3 to Colombia.
Portugal, with the win, now has 4 points, having previously drawn 1-1 with DR Congo. Colombia, who beat Uzbekistan, will face Congo in the second round.
Uzbekistan will play their final group stage match against Congo on June 28 at 04:30 Tashkent time.
Source: www.gazeta.uz