Portugal is confronting a dilemma over Cristiano Ronaldo after the team’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo on Wednesday in the 2026 World Cup. At 41 years and 132 days, Ronaldo set a record as the oldest outfield starter in a World Cup match but touched the ball only 25 times with no shots on target. Coach Roberto Martinez defended his captain while pundits urged a substitution as Portugal, a tournament favorite, failed to win.
A Xinhua report published by Arab Times on June 20 detailed that Ronaldo played all 90 minutes in the Group K match in Houston but created no chances for teammates and failed to complete a successful dribble. He completed 19 of his 21 passes during the contest. The display has raised fresh questions about his effectiveness at the highest level according to the match analysis.
Ronaldo’s goal drought in World Cup and European Championship fixtures stretched to 10 matches and 801 minutes with the result. Britain’s Independent newspaper described the outing with the headline “10 men and a statue” leaving little doubt about the reference. If he scores in the tournament Ronaldo would become the second-oldest player to score at a World Cup behind Cameroon forward Roger Milla the report noted.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez defended his captain after the match. “We didn’t get to the final third at the level we needed to give service to the striker or to use his movements” Martinez said. The comments sought to highlight team-wide issues in supplying the forward rather than placing blame solely on Ronaldo.
Former France forward Thierry Henry was among those critical of the veteran. “It’s the team that needs to score, not you” Henry said. “Because he wants to score, he goes into the path of the pass.” The analysis centered on a second-half moment when Bruno Fernandes appeared better placed to shoot.
Former striker Chris Sutton argued that Martinez should have shown more bravery by substituting Ronaldo. The suggestion reflected wider pundit sentiment that the side needed fresh energy in attack to overcome the draw. Multiple commentators echoed the view that Portugal must address the issue promptly in a competitive group.
The Xinhua report framed Portugal as one of the tournament favorites entering the competition. The squad possesses significant talent beyond Ronaldo and will face further Group K tests soon. Analysts cited in the coverage indicated that resolving the forward’s role could prove pivotal to the team’s overall prospects.
