Cristiano Ronaldo answered his critics with a two-goal display as Portugal thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0 on Tuesday, while England's progress towards the World Cup last 32 was checked by a goalless draw against Ghana.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain had faced heavy criticism following a subdued performance in his side's opening 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, he responded emphatically in Houston, becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups.
Ronaldo ended a run of 10 consecutive matches without a goal at major tournaments when he opened the scoring in the sixth minute. As he celebrated, television cameras caught him mouthing: "I'm back, I'm back."
Nuno Mendes doubled Portugal's lead in the 17th minute with a well-struck free-kick before Ronaldo added his second goal on 39 minutes to make it 3-0. Roberto Martinez's side, considered among the tournament favourites, continued to dominate after the break and added two more goals, including a spectacular strike from Rafael Leao, to complete a convincing victory.
Reflecting on the win, Ronaldo said: "I can say it was a very tough week, a difficult week, a week in which public opinion was very harsh on us, on all the players, especially on the coach.
"But it's always like that, it's fine because when you think about it, it's already 23 years I've been a professional and whenever things don't go well it's, 'Cristiano, he's finished, he's old'."
Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro praised the veteran forward, describing him as "one of the strongest players in the history of football".
"As a defender, you need to be very smart to be close to him, because if you give one centimetre in the box, you are dead," the Italian said.
The result leaves Portugal well placed to qualify from Group K, where Colombia were due to face DR Congo later on Tuesday.
While Portugal celebrated, England was left frustrated after a 0-0 draw with Ghana in Group L at Foxborough, near Boston. The result denied them the chance to join teams such as France, Argentina and Germany in securing an early place in the knockout stage.
England had opened their campaign with an impressive 4-2 victory over Croatia, but they struggled to break down a disciplined Ghana side. Despite dominating possession, they created few clear opportunities and rarely troubled the Black Stars' defence.
Ghana also felt they should have been awarded a penalty in the 79th minute when substitute Prince Adu appeared to be brought down in the area by Ezri Konsa.
England's frustrations were summed up late on when captain Harry Kane fired over the bar from close range with the goal at his mercy.
The draw left England and Ghana level on four points, with Croatia one point behind after defeating Panama 1-0 in Toronto later on Tuesday. The result eliminated the Central American side from the tournament.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham insisted there was no cause for alarm, with victory over already-eliminated Panama in the final group match enough to secure top spot.
"It's important for us not to get too negative, not to get too het up on it," the Real Madrid player said. "No worries, no stress, no drama at all in there."
He added: "Very frustrating. Like, second game fever, you know, the same as always with us.
"It feels like in all the tournaments I've been to, it's been the same—a decent performance to start and a good win. And then just the second one..."
Away from the pitch, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that US President Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final in New Jersey on 19 July and help present the trophy.
"We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together," Infantino told Fox and Friends.
