Martinez defends Ronaldo after Portugal’s shock draw with DR Congo

Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo in their World Cup Group K opener Wednesday in Houston after Yoane Wissa’s stoppage-time equalizer.the-independent
Cristiano Ronaldo managed just 25 touches and zero shots on target, extending his major tournament goal drought to 10 consecutive matches, per ESPN.espn
Coach Roberto Martinez defended keeping Ronaldo on for 90 minutes but warned no player’s starting spot is guaranteed going forward.goal

Ronaldo Scoreless as Portugal Draw 1-1 With DR Congo in World Cup Opener

Cristiano Ronaldo made history on Wednesday by becoming the second player to appear in a sixth FIFA World Cup, but the 41-year-old endured a frustrating afternoon as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo at NRG Stadium in Houston.

A Night to Forget for Ronaldo

João Neves gave Portugal an early lead, but Yoane Wissa equalized with a header from an Arthur Masuaku cross in first-half stoppage time as DR Congo — returning to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years — secured a historic point.the-independent

Ronaldo played all 90 minutes but finished with zero shots on target, just 25 touches, and no chances created. According to ESPN, it was the sixth time the Al Nassr striker finished a World Cup match without a shot on target. The blank extended his scoreless run to five consecutive World Cup matches and 10 straight games at major international tournaments — the longest such drought of his career. His last non-penalty goal at a World Cup or European Championship came on June 19, 2021.espn

The contrast with his great rival was stark. A day earlier, Lionel Messi had scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s opener, also making his sixth World Cup appearance.twincities

Martinez Stands Behind His Captain

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez dismissed suggestions that he should have substituted Ronaldo as his team chased a winner. “It makes no sense to take out the best goalscorer in world football in a match where you need goals,” Martinez told reporters.news

Martinez argued the team’s issues were collective, pointing to a drop in attacking intensity after the opening goal. “After scoring, instead of pushing for a second goal, we became more focused on possession. That reduced our depth and gave DR Congo space to counterattack,” he said.news

However, in a warning to his squad, Martinez also stated that no player’s starting place is guaranteed going forward. “We are not limited to a fixed starting lineup, but to all 26 players,” he said. “Today, we approach the match with a very high level of self-criticism.”athlonsports

What Comes Next

Portugal sit level with DR Congo on one point apiece in Group K, which also includes Colombia and first-time qualifiers Uzbekistan. Martinez urged calm, insisting early setbacks are common at World Cups. “This is just the first game,” he said. “We will analyze it, correct our mistakes and prepare for the next match.”wikipedia