Portugal Draw Draws Fire as Ronaldo and Martinez Face Criticism

Portugal’s surprising 1-1 draw with Congo in the 2026 World Cup, the Africans’ first goal and first point in the tournament, triggered heavy criticism the day after, especially toward Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Roberto Martinez. The match, played on June 18, 2026, left Portugal under scrutiny after one of the biggest early shocks of the competition.

British former striker Chris Sutton said Martinez was “embarrassed” and called him “a coward” for not taking Ronaldo off. Sutton argued that everyone could see during the game that Ronaldo was struggling, but the coach was afraid to remove him. He said Ronaldo remains a big player, but “he is no longer the star he once was,” and that the team is paying for it.

Sutton added that Portugal expected Ronaldo’s experience and personality to help younger players, but that such players can also draw too much attention. He said Portugal kept trying to find Ronaldo in the box from the wings, and suggested the team might have created more through the center without him.

Martinez, however, defended his players and said he was not alarmed by the criticism. He said Portugal started well, but after taking the lead they stopped attacking the penalty area and settled for possession. Congo regrouped and equalized from a set piece, he said. Martinez admitted, “I didn’t like the performance, but I liked the attitude of the players,” and added that there are no easy matches at the World Cup and Portugal must improve.