Portugal Coach Defends Ronaldo Use, Blames Emotion for World Cup Draw
Cristiano Ronaldo played all 90 minutes as Portugal managed only six shots after taking the lead, intensifying scrutiny of Roberto Martinez’s tactics.
- On Wednesday, Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo in a 2026 World Cup match at NRG Stadium in Houston. Despite Portugal's 75 percent possession, Yoane Wissa's late first-half equalizer secured a result for the Leopards.
- Cristiano Ronaldo struggled throughout the 90 minutes, recording just 13 touches in the first half and failing to test Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. The 41-year-old has gone 10 straight matches in major competitions without scoring.
- Portugal manager Roberto Martinez deflected criticism regarding Ronaldo's performance, citing insufficient service in the final third. "After the first goal, we didn't reach the final third at the level we needed," Martinez said.
- Congo DR coach Sébastien Desabre praised his squad's resilience after the draw, saying "Mentally we have the ability to cope with difficult starts to matches, as happened today." His team finished with more shot attempts and xG than Portugal.
- As Ronaldo's goal drought continues, debates emerge regarding Portugal's reliance on the veteran forward. Since scoring a penalty in 2022, he has failed to net in major tournaments, prompting scrutiny over future lineup choices.
74 Articles
74 Articles
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo, FIFA World Cup 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo Fails To Deliver As Leopards Spring Big Surprise
Cristiano Ronaldo's first appearance in his historic sixth FIFA World Cup went goalless as DR Congo played a 1-1 draw against a strong Portugal outfit in their Group K clash in Houston
Cristiano Ronaldo A "Hindrance" For Portugal, Urged To Step Down After FIFA World Cup Draw vs DR Congo
From the time Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria in a FIFA World Cup match, all eyes were on a Group K match that was to happen between Portugal and DR Congo hours later
Cristiano Ronaldo was not able to avoid the draw of Portugal on Wednesday, June 17, against the DR Congo (1-1). The best scorer in the history of the national selections missed his entry into the World Cup 2026. - World Cup 2026: after the draw of Portugal against the DR Congo, Ronaldo under the fire of critics (Sports).
Hawaii Tribune-Herald
West Hawaii TodayCristiano Ronaldo falls flat for Portugal in World Cup opener but DR Congo makes history
This was supposed to be the day Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at this World Cup. The post Cristiano Ronaldo falls flat for Portugal in World Cup opener but DR Congo makes history appeared first on Hawaii Tribune-Herald.
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