Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup woes are mounting after Portugal's lacklustre goalless draw against DR Congo left fans and pundits alike wondering if the 41-year-old talisman has lost his magic. The six-time World Cup veteran, known for his mercurial talent and unrelenting drive, failed to leave a mark on the pitch, sparking debate about his continued importance in Martinez's squad.
The stark contrast between Ronaldo's underwhelming display and Lionel Messi's scintillating hat-trick for Argentina the previous day has raised questions about Portugal's strategy. While Messi's Argentina appears to be clicking into gear with their ageing superstar at the helm, critics argue that Portugal is being held back by a similar approach, particularly given Ronaldo's dwindling physical resources. Despite dominating possession, Portugal's expected goals (xG) figure stood at a paltry 0.69, highlighting a struggle to create genuine scoring opportunities.
Ronaldo's inability to provide a spark in the final third was stark, and instances where he might have picked out a better-placed teammate – such as Bruno Fernandes – were conspicuous by their absence. The perceived preferential treatment extends to substitutions, with other attacking players like Bernardo Silva and Pedro Neto being replaced while Ronaldo remained on the pitch for the full 90 minutes.
Manager Roberto Martinez's continued reliance on Ronaldo has echoes of Euro 2024, where he was only substituted in one of his five appearances. While Ronaldo continues to score in qualifiers, the Nations League, and the Saudi Pro League, his ability to translate that form to the big stage is being increasingly questioned. His drought at World Cups and European Championships now spans an alarming 10 matches – a staggering 801 minutes without a goal.
The draw with DR Congo has serious implications for Portugal's progression, with failing to win their group potentially setting them on a more treacherous path in the knockout stages. Meanwhile, dynamic talents like Rafael Leao and Francisco Conceicao, who injected some much-needed pace and directness when introduced, have highlighted the tactical dilemmas facing Martinez.