“Ronaldo misses opportunities and increases criticism after Portugal’s draw.”

Two scandalously wasted opportunities by [Cristiano Ronaldo](https://apitofinal.pt/nacional/portugal-entra-no-mundial-2026-com-plantel-milionario-frente-a-rd-congo/) and a practically invisible performance have sparked new criticism of the captain of the Portuguese national team, who is once again accused of no longer having what it takes to lead Portugal towards glory in the World Cup. At 41 years old and in his sixth appearance at a [World Cup](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/ruben-amorim-quer-levar-hjulmand-e-trincao-do-sporting-para-o-ac-milan/) — a feat only matched by [Lionel Messi](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/messi-elogia-rafael-nadal-e-identifica-se-com-a-mentalidade-do-tenista/) — Ronaldo failed to silence those who doubt his current influence, missing two clear chances in the second half against the [Democratic Republic](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/criticas-a-roberto-martinez-pela-gestao-de-ronaldo-no-empate-com-rd-congo/) of Congo, in a 1-1 draw that left the [Quinas](https://apitofinal.pt/nacional/nelson-semedo-promete-resposta-de-portugal-apos-estreia-dificil-no-mundial/) team under fire.

The meeting, held for Group K, marked a historic return of the Congolese to the competition, 52 years after their last appearance. Portugal, identified as one of the favorites, stumbled again when least expected. Ronaldo, despite being the all-time leading international goalscorer, was the Portuguese player with the fewest interventions — only 25 touches on the ball in over 45 minutes, a striking statistic for someone expected to be the goal-scoring man. The two misses in front of the opposing goalkeeper, both from close range, left Bruno Fernandes visibly frustrated, as was evident in the prolonged reaction of the Manchester United midfielder after the first of those opportunities.

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This result already jeopardizes the Portuguese campaign, raising serious doubts about the options of Roberto Martínez and Ronaldo’s true role in the team. The national coach refused to single out the captain’s performance at the post-match press conference, preferring to hold the collective responsible: “We need to make use of all the players on the field. The striker (Ronaldo) needs to be close to the penalty area, and we need to give him the ball,” Martínez stated, insisting that the team failed to support their key forward.

Questioned about the possibility of replacing Ronaldo, Martínez was emphatic: “It doesn’t make sense to take the best scorer in the world off the field in a game where you need goals,” the coach argued, emphasizing the importance of the forward’s experience in high-pressure moments. “In times like this, Cristiano’s experience in the box is crucial. The way he attracts defenders is important, as is the space that opens up for others. And clearly, when you’re looking for goals, you need Cristiano,” he added.

This stance from the coach reignites the national debate: should Ronaldo continue to be an undisputed starter, come on only as a luxury substitute, or is it time to make way for new blood? The numbers do not lie — 143 goals in 229 international appearances, both world records in men’s football — but the national team does not lack offensive solutions. With players like Rafael Leão, João Félix, and Gonçalo Ramos pushing for a starting spot, the patience of fans and critics is beginning to wear thin in light of the captain’s lackluster performances.

What lies ahead for Portugal is increased pressure in the upcoming group stage matches, with the obligation to win in order to secure qualification and, above all, to restore the confidence of fans and analysts. Ronaldo’s role will once again be scrutinized in detail, as any slip-up could be costly both to his reputation and to the aspirations of the national team. The discussion promises to intensify: is this the end of Ronaldo’s reign in the national team, or will the veteran manage to silence the critics and return to scoring decisive goals? Everything is up in the air, but one thing is certain: the future of the Portuguese national team rests in the hands — and feet — of those who prove to be up to the big moments.

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