Criticism of Ronaldo increases, Martínez defends him

Cristiano Ronaldo was on the pitch for ninety minutes of Portugal's disappointing draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The 41-year-old striker missed two big chances and failed to make his mark. The Brazilian media is critical. Why did Ronaldo remain on the field while Portugal were looking for victory and the striker was not in the match? For coach Roberto Martínez, the answer is simple. "In a game like this, where it's difficult to reach the box, it's important to take advantage of Cristiano's qualities."

"It doesn't make sense to take away Portugal's all-time top scorer in a match where we need goals. His experience in the box is important, as is the way he attracts defenders. Each player has their role on the pitch and, if we need goals, we need Cristiano."


Martínez also made it clear that the draw does not change the way he deals with the 41-year-old striker. "It's important that everyone is one hundred percent fit. We don't look at Cristiano's age, but at what he can bring to the field." Ronaldo, in turn, saw no reason to panic. "What was missing? Nothing. This is football. We could have won, but we could also have lost. It could have gone anywhere."

João Neves also highlighted that Ronaldo had difficulties, but that he and his teammates do not see him any differently. "We all know what Cristiano meant to Portugal, but right now I feel from him and everyone that he is just a player who wants to help. He is no different to the others and will make the same contribution as everyone else. We are a very united group and that will make a difference in the long term. This draw will not bring us down."

While Martínez and his players remain calm, the Portuguese media is much more critical. The newspaper A Bola published a serious warning about Portugal. "João Neves' early goal was not enough to overcome Portugal's sluggishness and the Democratic Republic of Congo's defensive class. The draw exposed the weaknesses of a team that, despite brimming with individual talent, demonstrated a worrying slowness in execution and tactical predictability." Público was even more scathing in its analysis. "The letter P for painful. The team was hostage to Conceição's individual actions and belief in Ronaldo. But just believing is not enough, especially in the current Ronaldo."