Portugal boss Martinez: 'No sense' taking out misfiring Ronaldo
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has acknowledged a feeling of frustration following a 1-1 draw with DR Congo. Despite an underwhelming performance by 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, Martinez continues to face questions over his decision to start the veteran. Debate persists regarding whether the forward should remain in the starting lineup.
What changed
Martinez has now explicitly admitted to frustration within the team following the DR Congo draw.
Live updates
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Martinez admits frustration after Portugal's World Cup opener
confidence 90%Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has acknowledged a feeling of frustration following a 1-1 draw with DR Congo. Despite an underwhelming performance by 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, Martinez continues to face questions over his decision to start the veteran. Debate persists regarding whether the forward should remain in the starting lineup.
What's confirmed:
- Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo in their World Cup opening match.
- Roberto Martinez acknowledged a feeling of frustration within the team after the DR Congo draw.
- Cristiano Ronaldo is 41 years old.
Still unconfirmed:
- Martinez is effectively handcuffed by Ronaldo due to the player's reaction to a previous manager's sacking.
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Martinez rejects calls to bench Cristiano Ronaldo
confidence 90%Portugal manager Roberto Martinez refuses to remove Cristiano Ronaldo from the lineup despite public pressure. This follows a 1-1 draw with DR Congo. The 41-year-old captain remains a central part of the squad for the 2026 World Cup.
What's confirmed:
- Roberto Martinez refuses to bench Cristiano Ronaldo despite public pressure.
- Portugal drew 1-1 against DR Congo.
Still unconfirmed:
- Alan Shearer suggested Martinez may not be allowed to substitute Ronaldo.
- Ronaldo is 41 years old.
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Martinez defends Ronaldo after World Cup opener
confidence 100%Portugal manager Roberto Martinez refuses to bench Cristiano Ronaldo despite public pressure. The decision follows a 1-1 draw against DR Congo. Joao Neves scored the early goal for Portugal in that match.
What's confirmed:
- Portugal drew 1-1 against DR Congo in their 2026 World Cup opening game.
- Joao Neves scored to put Portugal ahead early in the match.
- Roberto Martinez is unwilling to bench Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Martinez Defends Decision to Keep Ronaldo on Pitch
confidence 100%Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has rejected calls to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo. This follows a 1-1 draw against DR Congo where Ronaldo's performance drew criticism. Martinez stated it made no sense to remove the forward.
What's confirmed:
- Portugal played to a 1-1 draw against Congo.
- Roberto Martinez declined to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo during the match.
- Martinez stated it made no sense to take Ronaldo off.
Still unconfirmed:
- Pundits claim Martinez is prioritizing a personal friendship with Ronaldo over team success.
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Roberto Martinez defends Cristiano Ronaldo after World Cup draw
confidence 90%Portugal manager Roberto Martinez is facing heavy criticism for not substituting Cristiano Ronaldo during a 1-1 draw with DR Congo. Martinez described Ronaldo as the best goal scorer on Earth. Pundits claim the manager is prioritizing a friendship with the captain over team success.
What's confirmed:
- Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo in their 2026 World Cup opening match.
- Roberto Martinez refused to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo during the match.
- Martinez and Ronaldo have faced significant criticism following the result.
Still unconfirmed:
- Martinez called Ronaldo the best goal scorer on Earth.
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Portugal’s Martinez defends Ronaldo’s role despite goalless World Cup opener
confidence 98%Portugal manager Roberto Martinez rejected calls to sub Cristiano Ronaldo after his team drew 1-1 with DR Congo in their World Cup opener. Ronaldo recorded 25 touches—the fewest among Portugal outfielders—and failed to score, while DR Congo secured their first World Cup point. Bettors betting against Portugal won over $1 million on the result. Martinez cited Ronaldo’s penalty-area experience as justification for keeping him in the starting lineup.
What's confirmed:
- Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their World Cup opener on Wednesday, June 18, 2026.
- DR Congo earned their first-ever World Cup point in the match.
- Portugal’s João Neves scored the opening goal, while Yoane Wissa equalized for DR Congo.
- Ronaldo recorded 25 touches—the fewest among Portugal players who featured for more than 45 minutes—and remained goalless.
- Portugal manager Roberto Martinez stated there was ‘no sense’ in substituting Ronaldo despite his struggles, citing his penalty-area experience as a key factor.
- A sports bettor won over $1 million betting against Portugal in the match.
Still unconfirmed:
- Roberto Martinez is stepping down as Portugal manager after the World Cup, with his exit reportedly confirmed by talkSPORT.
- Ronaldo’s future with Portugal remains uncertain following Martinez’s departure, though no official statement has been made.
- Martinez faces criticism internally for his tactical decisions in the match, though no public backlash has been confirmed.