Dias Defends Ronaldo as Criticism Mounts on Star Striker
Ruben Dias said Portugal are blocking out criticism after a 1-1 opener that left Cristiano Ronaldo without a shot on target.
- On Friday, Portugal defender Ruben Dias dismissed criticism of teammate Cristiano Ronaldo as "noise" following the team's 1-1 World Cup draw against Democratic Republic of Congo in their opener.
- Despite completing 740 passes, Portugal managed only one shot on target against Congo, playing in their first World Cup for 52 years, prompting a barrage of criticism.
- Former France striker Thierry Henry criticized Ronaldo for prioritizing personal glory over team success, as the 41-year-old's goal drought at major tournaments extended to 10 games.
- Dias rejected singling out any player, emphasizing the squad remains united and accustomed to intense media pressure surrounding major tournaments.
- Returning from injury, Dias declared himself ready for Tuesday's second group match against Uzbekistan, where Portugal anticipates defensive back-five tactics similar to Congo's.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Portuguese defender Ruben Dias acknowledged on Friday 19 June that Portugal had made mistakes in its draw (1-1) against the Democratic Republic of the Congo for its entry into the 2026 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken publicly to put an end to the noise of a war in Portugal. In the last few hours false statements have circulated that have affected the Luso costume and that has caused the striker to take a step forward to convey a message of unity to the selection in the World Cup after the puncture to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To tie in the world debut was something that hurt a favorite Portugal to win their first Worl…
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Portugal tuning out 'noise' as Ronaldo criticism mounts at World Cup ...
Portugal tuning out 'noise' as Ronaldo criticism mounts at World Cup: Dias
The Portugal squad are shutting out criticism of the team and captain Cristiano Ronaldo following an underwhelming draw in their World Cup opener against Democratic Republic of Congo, defender Ruben Dias said on Friday.

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