Ronaldo scores in sixth World Cup as England draw blank against Ghana

Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name further into World Cup history on Thursday, netting a brace in Portugal’s 5-0 demolition of Uzbekistan to become the first player ever to score in six editions of the tournament. The 40-year-old then made headlines off the pitch by refusing to answer a reporter’s question about Lionel Messi in his post-match media appearance.

England, meanwhile, could only manage a goalless draw against Ghana in Group L on Tuesday, a result that leaves the Three Lions in a precarious position heading into the knockout stage. The match was overshadowed by a fiery half-time exchange between Jude Bellingham and former Manchester United assistant Carlos Queiroz. Bellingham was visibly frustrated after the game and, on receiving the Superior Player of the Match award, insisted he did not deserve it — suggesting one of Ghana’s players was more worthy of the accolade.

England manager Thomas Tuchel was blocked from addressing a question at his post-match press conference about Djed Spence’s decision not to shake Thomas Partey’s hand after the final whistle.

Also in Group L, Panama were eliminated after a narrow defeat to Croatia, a match in which Luka Modric earned his 200th international cap.

Colombia secured their place in the knockout rounds with a 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo, Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz scoring the only goal to set up a final group game against Portugal.

France will be without head coach Didier Deschamps for their match against Norway after the tragic death of his mother. Deschamps has returned to France following the news.

Off the field, FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that United States President Donald Trump will present the World Cup trophy to the tournament winners at the final. “We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course together,” Infantino said. The FIFA chief also defended the use of hydration breaks during matches and indicated they could become a permanent feature at future tournaments.