Why I didn’t substitute Ronaldo against DR Congo – Martinez

Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez has stood firmly behind his decision to play Cristiano Ronaldo for the entirety of Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against DR Congo, despite growing backlash over the veteran forward’s performance.

The Seleção struggled to find their rhythm in Houston, kicking off their 2026 World Cup campaign with a frustrating stalemate.

Ronaldo’s quiet display quickly became a lightning rod for criticism, with a wave of fans and pundits arguing that the 41-year-old’s presence is currently hindering the national team’s tactical fluidity.

However, Martínez wasted no time in shielding his captain from the critics, doubling down on Ronaldo’s unparalleled legacy and goalscoring instincts.

“It made no sense at all to take off Cristiano Ronaldo, who is the best goalscorer in history, off the field when we were looking for goals.”

With Portugal already feeling the pressure in the group stage, both Martínez and Ronaldo will be desperate for a breakout performance when they face Uzbekistan in their next match.

Vanguard News

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