Cristiano Ronaldo nearly produced one of the greatest assists in World Cup history against Uruguay

Cristiano Ronaldo nearly produced one of the most outrageous assists in World Cup history just minutes into the clash with Uruguay.

In his first outing against Ghana, Ronaldo made history by becoming the first men's player to score in five World Cups after converting a penalty that he won in controversial fashion.

Portugal are facing Uruguay in their second fixture, at the Lusail Stadium, and they nearly went 1-0 up inside three minutes courtesy of some magic from their talisman and captain.

Nuno Mendes launched an insane throw-in into the corner of the box where Ronaldo was. Instead of controlling the ball, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner conjured up the most incredible shoulder pass that landed right into the path of William Carvalho.

The ball dropped kindly to the Real Betis midfielder on the volley but he couldn't keep his strike down and fired over the bar.

But the piece of play from Ronaldo had many in disbelief. The power he was able to get with his shoulder was just ridiculous and the 37-year-old showed he's still got plenty of skill in his locker.

One fan wrote: "Ronaldo has a compilation of just shoulder passes. How insane is that man."

Another said: "Balotelli watching Ronaldo with the shoulder pass."

A third commented: "That's a ridiculous shoulder pass from Cristiano Ronaldo."

A fourth weighed in: "Cristiano Ronaldo has a 3 min compilation of just shoulder passes btw, Most complete player ever."

Meanwhile, Paddy Power added: "Ronaldo can pass the ball better with his shoulder than most people can with their feet."

It proved to be Portugal's best chance of the first half, though Uruguay should have broken the deadlock through Rodrigo Bentancur, who slalomed in and out of the Portugal backline in a scintillating solo run.

However, he couldn't beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who made himself big to thwart the Spurs midfielder.