The world reacted passionately to Ronaldo's stunning return. Fans and media from across the globe praised his determination and timeless quality. Lionel Messi commented respectfully, "Cristiano never ceases to amaze. He is an inspiration to everyone in football, including myself. It's incredible how he continuously defies expectations and maintains such high standards." Kylian Mbappé enthusiastically shared his admiration via social media, stating, "This is why he's one of the greatest ever. Watching Ronaldo today reminded me why I fell in love with football. Absolutely sensational!" Neymar applauded his friend and rival, tweeting, "Legendary performance by a true icon of the game. Cristiano's dedication and passion set an example for all of us. Proud to witness this historic moment." Ronaldo's comeback was celebrated worldwide, reaffirming his legacy as one of football's most remarkable players.
In Portugal's second match against Uruguay, Ronaldo surprised fans and analysts alike by shifting into a deeper midfield role, reminiscent of his masterclass in the 2008 Champions League. As the whistle blew, Ronaldo dropped between the defensive lines, acting as a conduit for attack and defense. His impeccable positioning allowed him to intercept passes and immediately transition play forward. Time and again, he threaded inch-perfect through balls to Diogo Jota and Bernardo Silva, demonstrating vision that left even veteran midfielders in awe.
Ronaldo's passing accuracy soared above 90%, with over 60 touches in midfield, where he orchestrated the game's rhythm—alternating between patient build-up and sudden tempo changes. In the 35th minute, he delivered a curled cross-field pass to João Cancelo, splitting Uruguay's back line and setting up the first goal by Bruno Fernandes. Ten minutes later, he danced past two midfielders before playing a one-two with Rafael Leão, slipping a final assist that Bernardo Silva calmly finished.
Beyond his creative exploits, Ronaldo's work rate Excelled—he covered over 11 kilometers, tracked back to break up counterattacks, and led pressing triggers that forced turnovers in dangerous areas. His leadership in midfield galvanized teammates, combining tactical intelligence with technical brilliance.
Portugal's commanding 2–0 victory not only secured three crucial points but also showcased Ronaldo's versatility and enduring quality. As the group stage reaches its midpoint, Portugal sits atop Group H with a perfect record: two wins from two matches, earning six points, and boasting a goal tally of five scored without conceding any. Uruguay occupies second place with three points from one win and one loss, featuring a goal difference of zero after scoring two and conceding two. South Korea also has three points and a neutral goal difference but remains third due to tiebreakers. Ghana sits at the bottom of the group with no points, having failed to score and conceding five goals.