DR Congo midfielder Ngal Ayel Mukau has admitted his side had no specific plan to stop Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo endured a difficult start to the 2026 World Cup in Portugal's clash with DR Congo(Image: Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
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DR Congo had no specific plan for stopping Cristiano Ronaldo in their 1-1 draw with Portugal as the Manchester United icon laboured during the World Cup clash. Congo midfielder Ngal Ayel Mukau spoke of how he and his team-mates knew that, due to the 41-year-old being in the twilight of his career, the former United star wouldn't be at the peak of his powers.
Roberto Martinez's team toiled against the African nation in their opening group fixture. The Portuguese legend has faced criticism following his underwhelming performance as he failed to influence proceedings as he once did. Ronaldo managed just 25 touches throughout the 90 minutes and three attempts, all of which were on target.
Martinez is now under pressure regarding his deployment of the five-time Ballon d'Or recipient as Portugal lacked attacking threat against the side ranked 46th in the FIFA world rankings.
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And Mukau's remarks underscore the waning intimidation factor that the United and Real Madrid icon previously possessed. The Lille midfielder acknowledged that Congo didn't focus specifically on the 41-year-old as they recognised his capabilities aren't what they formerly were.
He said: "To be honest, not really (a plan) because we know he's not the same as before, he's a bit older now.
"But still he's one of the greatest to ever play the game so much respect to him. When you get old, it's not the same efforts you can make but still too much respect, he's one of the greatest to play the game."
Colombia, who Portugal face in their final group stage fixture, lead the group following their 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan. Portugal must overcome Uzbekistan in their next outing if they are to edge closer to securing a place in the knockout rounds and avoid having to progress as one of the best third-placed sides.
Ronaldo's barren run in major tournaments continued as he has now gone 10 World Cup and European Championship matches without finding the net. During that spell, he has registered 33 shots with just 11 on target, and one of the game's all-time greats is now facing mounting questions over his ability to deliver at international level.
France legend Thierry Henry was scathing in his assessment of the 41-year-old, telling FOX Sports: "One thing that's important, please... people at home... the team needs to score, it's not you who needs to score.
"Look here. Portugal has the ball, Conceicao is going to receive the ball. Cristiano Ronaldo has been in this situation several times. If you make that run there [in the opposite direction of the ball], you force the defender to make a decision to close that area.
"But because he wants to score, he goes in Bruno Fernandes' path. If he went to that small area - he's been in that situation before - the defender would have to follow him, and then it would be an easy goal (tap-in) for Bruno Fernandes.
"But because he wants to score, he crosses the path of the back pass, you see the two players and it becomes easier for the defence to intercept.
"And that's my point: the team needs to score, not you. Did you see Bruno Fernandes' reaction back there, like: 'let the ball roll, make the run, create space so I can just tap it in'. It didn't happen."