Roberto Martinez criticised for not substituting Ronaldo

Roberto Martinez, Portugal’s head coach, came under fire after the team’s 1‑1 draw with Congo at the World Cup, with critics accusing him of refusing to remove Cristiano Ronaldo from the lineup. The decision sparked a storm of commentary across European media. During the match, Gonçalo Ramos entered in the 83rd minute, yet Ronaldo remained on the pitch while Vitinha was introduced as the substitute. The Portuguese side kept Ronaldo on despite his limited involvement in the game. Martinez faced an immediate wave of criticism after the final whistle. Former international Chris Sutton described the situation as “shameful for Roberto Martinez”, adding that the coach seemed afraid to replace Ronaldo. Cristiano Ronaldo has amassed 229 international caps and 143 goals, yet he has failed to score in ten consecutive matches at major tournaments. The drought added pressure on Martinez’s tactical choices.

Cristiano Ronaldo ignored by Portugal teammates in 1-1 draw with Congo

Analysts note that Ronaldo, once the team’s primary playmaker, now functions mainly as a finisher, with Portugal’s tactics increasingly built around his presence. This shift has led to the squad adjusting its style to accommodate the veteran striker. Former England captain Wayne Rooney echoed the criticism, calling for “more energy, more movement, more players running past Ronaldo”. He labeled Portugal’s performance as weak, reflecting the broader concerns. The same criticism echoed Martinez’s tenure with Belgium, where he was accused of clinging to star players despite declining results. Observers draw parallels between his approach in Brussels and Lisbon. Ronaldo could still become the first player to score in six World Cups, a feat that would cement his legacy. The lingering question remains whether Martinez will make decisive changes when the tournament demands them.