Martínez Defends Ronaldo After Criticism
Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez defended Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Portugal’s second group-stage match at the World Cup against Uzbekistan, after the team opened the tournament with a disappointing 1:1 draw against DR Congo. The result increased pressure on Portugal, which entered the competition as one of the favourites, while Ronaldo also became the target of criticism after failing to score in the opening match.
Martínez said that the criticism and tension surrounding the team are part of playing at a World Cup, but insisted that Portugal remains united and focused. He rejected suggestions of internal problems and said the team is stronger and more connected than before the tournament began.
The Portuguese coach described Ronaldo as a real captain and an example for the rest of the squad. He said Ronaldo reacted with experience, wants to contribute, and remains a model for the entire team. Martínez also argued that Ronaldo’s movement creates space for others and that the statistics support his continued role in the team.
Doubts Over the Starting Line-Up
Despite defending Ronaldo, Martínez did not confirm whether the 41-year-old forward would start against Uzbekistan. Asked directly about the starting line-up, he said he could not comment because he had not yet informed the players.
He explained that he prefers not to speak publicly about anything before first discussing it with the squad. That response kept open the question of whether Ronaldo would remain in the starting eleven or possibly begin the match on the bench.
The debate intensified after Portugal’s first match, in which the team failed to produce the expected attacking performance. Martínez said the squad had analyzed its mistakes, identified what did not work, and discussed what needed to be corrected.
Portugal Under Pressure to Improve
Portugal has three matches in the group stage, and Martínez said nothing essential had changed after the opening draw. However, he admitted that the team had to look at itself critically and make an honest self-assessment.
João Cancelo also pointed to the need for an immediate reaction. He said Portugal did not create enough chances, which he described as unusual for a team with so much quality. According to him, the players must show their level on the pitch, and the match against Uzbekistan leaves no room for error.
Portugal will play Uzbekistan in Houston, knowing that victory is important to put its World Cup campaign back on track and avoid unnecessary tension before the final group match against Colombia. Uzbekistan lost 3:1 to Colombia in the first round, while Portugal enters the match with a six-game unbeaten run.
Ronaldo’s Goal Drought and Scoring Expectations
Ronaldo scored five goals during qualification, but he has not scored in his last ten appearances at major tournaments. The match against Uzbekistan is therefore being presented as an opportunity for him to end that run and respond to the criticism that followed the draw with DR Congo.
Portugal is considered a strong favourite for the match. Ronaldo is also listed among the main expected scorers, with particular attention on whether he can score at any point in the game, open the scoring, or even produce a multiple-goal performance.
The focus around Portugal’s second match is therefore split between the team’s need for a result and Ronaldo’s personal search for a goal. After a difficult opening performance, both the national team and its captain face a match that could shape the mood around Portugal’s World Cup campaign.
Former England international Michael Owen also came to Ronaldo’s defense amid the criticism following Portugal’s opening draw. He stressed that Portugal’s attacking system is built around Ronaldo’s presence in decisive situations and suggested that the veteran forward remains capable of delivering when it matters most.
Looking ahead to the match against Uzbekistan, Owen said he would not be surprised if Ronaldo answered his critics in emphatic fashion, even suggesting that the Portugal captain could produce a hat-trick and once again prove his value on the biggest stage. Owen also noted that Ronaldo’s style of play has changed over the years, with the striker now focusing primarily on decisive moments inside the penalty area rather than extensive involvement in build-up play.
