Portugal vs Uzbekistan live updates: World Cup 2026 game latest news with Ronaldo poised to start

Abbosbek Fayzullaev’s goal was scored from only a yard out, but it felt like the culmination of a decade of investment and ambition for Uzbek football.

Millions have been spent on infrastructure, stadiums and academies, and it was fitting that the 22-year-old Fayzullaev scored the country’s first World Cup goal, given he is one of the poster boys of the nation’s long-term approach to producing elite homegrown footballers.

Did Uzbekistan do themselves justice in defeat? Considering the monumental task at hand, yes. Manager Fabio Cannavaro was hired to bring international experience and enlist a robust defensive style, which you could see in evidence during a tentative first half, but they were understandably overawed. Every single one of these players was taking part in the biggest game of their lives.

After the break, they grew in confidence and intent, and produced that sensational moment via talisman Shomurodov’s excellent volley that Vargas could not steer to safety, and will have been celebrated wildly back home.

Ultimately they couldn’t produce a shock result, but they will have gained belief from a spirited, heartening performance.