Already, one of the big narratives forming in the 2026 World Cup is the potentially negative impact star striker Cristiano Ronaldo is having on Portugal. The 41-year-old was ineffective in his nation's draw with DR Congo, sparking much debate about his role in the team.
Joao Neves opened the scoring for Roberton Martinez's side, but Premier League striker Yoane Wissa levelled things before the break. As the game went on, Ronaldo struggled to make much of a difference, but was left on for the entire match, which finished level at 1-1.
Many were less than impressed by the Al Nassr man, who has now gone 10 games without a goal for Portugal at major international tournaments. Thierry Henry suggested that there should be more of a focus on the team scoring, as opposed to just Ronaldo, in what appeared to be a dig at the forward, but Peter Schmeichel has laid the blame on someone else.
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Peter Schmeichel Slams Roberto Martinez
Former Manchester City player Peter Schmeichel holding an umbrella
Former Manchester United and Denmark goalkeeper Schmeichel did not hold back as he tore into Portugal manager Martinez after the draw. He claimed that the coach is set to waste two golden generations, having previously been in charge of Belgium between 2016 and 2022. As quoted by A Bola, the pundit said:
"Roberto Martinez has to be one of the most disappointing coaches of this World Cup so far. He wasted Belgium's golden generation, and now it seems the same thing is happening with Portugal."
Instead of directing critism at Ronaldo, he contiuned to lay the blame at the man who picked the team, questioning the wisdom of leaving Joao Felix and Rafael Leao on the bench
"How can you leave players like Joao Felix and Rafael Leao on the bench while maintaining a system that clearly isn't working? Portugal has too much attacking talent to appear so predictable and cautious."
Schmeichel did not stop their either, he again warned that this golden era of Portuguese talent could be wasted with Martinez in charge, adding:
"Portugal has one of the strongest squads in the tournament, but they are not playing anywhere near their potential. If things don't change quickly, Portugal could waste another golden opportunity to win the World Cup."
Roberto Martinez Defends Ronaldo Decision
Cristiano Ronaldo during the World Cup game between Portugal and DR CongoREUTERS/Annegret Hilse
With Colombia beating Uzbekistan, Portugal are currenlty third in Group L on one point (level with DR Congo), and will now take on Uzbekistan next, before then meeting Colombia in their final group game. It will be interesting to see if Martinez keeps the faith in Ronaldo, or adapts his team much going forward.
Speaking after the draw, the Portugal coach insisted that it was the right call to keep Ronaldo on the pitch, even though he registered just 25 touches during the match, his lowest-ever tally in a major tournament match where he played the full 90 (as per Opta via Goal). Martinez said:
"It makes no sense to get the best goalscorer in world football out in a game that you need goals. For us in moments like this, the experience of Cristiano in the box is important. The way that he attracts defenders is important, the way that we can use the space is important. And every player has a responsibility or a piece of quality on the pitch. And clearly when you look for goals, you need to have Cristiano."
With that in mind, it doesn't seem likely that Ronaldo will come out of the team in the upcoming game against Uzbekistan.