Roberto Martinez criticised over Cristiano Ronaldo handling in Portugal’s draw with DR Congo

Roberto Martinez criticised over Cristiano Ronaldo handling in Portugal’s draw with DR Congo Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their 2026 World Cup opening game at Houston Stadium on Wednesday. Portugal got off to a dream start with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves rose highest to head Pedro Neto’s into the net. DR Congo drew level before half-time through Newcastle United striker Yoanne Wissa. He thumped a header home, scoring the African side’s first-ever goal in the competition. Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance was one of the major talking points. The 41-year-old has now extended his goalless streak in major competitions to 10 games . The Al Nassr striker also registered 25 touches — his fewest in any game of a major tournament for Portugal in which he lasted the full 90 minutes. Pundit Chris Sutton questioned Selecao coach Roberto Martinez handling of Ronaldo in the encounter. He said on the BBC : “Roberto Martinez, I don’t understand some of his management. Cristiano Ronaldo was on the periphery, and the game passed him by. Martinez has to be brave enough to be the manager. He is not the manager of the Portugal team, and that is their issue.” Ronaldo remains Portugal’s most prolific and influential player. Dropping him could affect Martinez’s control of the dressing room. Goncalo Ramos is his natural replacement, but he has just one goal in his last 11 international appearances. He also scored just 12 goals for PSG last season. Rather than drop Ronaldo, Martinez needs his other key players, such as Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Neves to step up. The trio performed brilliantly for their various clubs and will now need to replicate the same if Martinez’s side are to make a deep run in the competition.