FIFA World Cup: Portugal coach defends playing Cristiano Ronaldo for full 90 minutes in draw with DR Congo

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez dismissed questions on Cristiano Ronaldo’s position after a irritating World ​Cup opener, defending his resolution to maintain the captain ‌on for the complete 90 minutes ​in Wednesday’s (June 18, 2026) 1-1 draw with ⁠the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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Ronaldo went and not using a shot on course in Houston, extending his scoreless streak ‌to 5 straight World Cup matches and 10 consecutive video games at main tournaments. ‌The 41-year-old ahead hasn’t scored a ‌non-penalty ⁠aim at a World Cup or ⁠European Championship since June 2021, however Martinez mentioned eradicating him was by no means a severe consideration whereas Portugal chased ​a winner.

“It makes no ‌sense to get one of the best aim scorer in world soccer out in a sport that you just want targets,” Martinez mentioned.

Ronaldo, Portugal’s ‌all-time main scorer with 143 worldwide ​targets, turned solely the second participant to look in six World Cups, ⁠following Lionel Messi. However not like Messi, who scored a hat trick on Tuesday, Ronaldo’s bid to turn into ‌the primary participant to attain in six totally different World Cups must wait.

Portugal began robust, with Joao Neves scoring within the sixth minute, however the early benefit didn’t result in sustained stress. Martinez mentioned the ‌aim had the other impact, with Portugal changing into too ​cautious in possession and permitting DR Congo to reset defensively.

“We began very, very ⁠effectively,” Martinez mentioned. “Scoring the aim — which is generally ⁠a second when the emotion of scoring helps you retain management of ‌the match and attempt to rating a second aim — had the other impact.”

Portugal continues ​Group Okay play on Tuesday in opposition to Uzbekistan in Houston.