The Albany Gazette - Ronaldo double fires Portugal, England eye last 32

Ronaldo, 41, had come in for stinging criticism after a lacklustre display in Portugal's opening 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

But the veteran striker roared back to life with two goals as Portugal kickstarted their campaign with a 5-0 drubbing of Group K rivals Uzbekistan in Houston.

A jubilant Ronaldo -- who had failed to score in 10 consecutive matches at major tournaments -- was mobbed by team-mates as he celebrated his emphatic opening goal after just six minutes.

He added a second on 39 minutes to give Portugal a 3-0 lead after Nuno Mendes had put Roberto Martinez's side 2-0 up in the 17th minute with a well-taken free kick.

Portugal, regarded as one of the tournament favourites, cut loose in the second half with two more goals, including a spectacular Rafael Leao strike, to complete the rout.

The victory leaves Portugal firmly on course to qualify for the last 32 from Group K, where Colombia face DR Congo later on Tuesday.

- England aim for knockouts -

In other games on Tuesday, England will aim to become the latest of the World Cup big guns to book their place in the knockout rounds when they face Ghana in Group L.

A day after Argentina and France sailed into the last 32, England take on the Black Stars knowing that victory will see them safely into the next phase of the tournament.

England launched their campaign last week with a stylish 4-2 win over Croatia, a result that has given the Three Lions camp fresh belief as they chase a first major championship win in 60 years.

England's German manager Thomas Tuchel says his team are already embracing the pressure that comes with a World Cup campaign.

"There are emotions involved and you can at some point feel the tension and feel the pressure. I hope we can cope with it, accept it and turn it around," Tuchel said.

"I heard also a lot about it and I feel of course the excitement and the pressure, but I feel that we have so many winners and so many players who are experienced to cope with the pressure."

England though will be wary of the threat posed by Ghana's Antoine Semenyo, the London-born Manchester City winger who is the focal point of the Black Stars attack.

Ghana, 1-0 winners over Panama in their opener last week, can also qualify for the knockout rounds on Tuesday if they beat England in Foxborough, just outside Boston.

In the other game of the group, 2018 runners up Croatia could be knocked out if they lose to Panama and Ghana avoid defeat to England.

Captain Luka Modric is set to play his 200th Croatia game, with only three men's players having featured more times on the international stage.

Leading the way is Cristiano Ronaldo (230), well ahead of Lionel Messi (201), who are both present at this World Cup with Portugal and Argentina respectively. Bader al-Mutawa has also won 202 caps for Kuwait.

(B.Ramirez--TAG)