Portugal's dismal showing in their opening World Cup fixture against DR Congo merely reinforced what numerous fans had dreaded. It was a performance devoid of quality, character and the purpose demanded at a competition of this scale. And the harsh reality is this - the most pressing issue Portugal confront at present is the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
In reality, salvaging a 1-1 stalemate - Congo's maiden World Cup point - might have been the preferable result, as it could readily have been more damaging. Even still, a national side of Portugal's calibre cannot afford to underestimate these encounters if they are to progress from Group K and fulfil their potential in North America.
Ronaldo's Presence Disrupts Team Balance
Portuguese-speaking sports writer Bruna Reis sheds light on the Ronaldo problem. Portugal cannot merely presume the opposition are defeated before kick-off, and this fixture laid bare their failure to interpret what was developing on the field and their shortage of match awareness. For me, the doubts started the instant Martinez announced his squad: an unusually large contingent of goalkeepers, a glaring imbalance between full-backs and centre-backs, and the omission of players with particular qualities essential to settle crucial moments.
Rodrigo Mora, Mateus Fernandes, Pedro Goncalves, Joao Palhinha and Ricardo Horta are merely some of the talents who might have assisted in driving this side forward with strikes. Despite impressive campaigns with their clubs, they eventually missed out - and the nagging concern now is how significantly that choice will also impact Portugal's World Cup journey.
Portugal's Squad Built Around a Player Past His Prime
Naturally, we mustn't overlook that Portugal constructed much of their triumph over the years courtesy of Ronaldo, and it's entirely understandable that a player as determined as he is desires to be present, assist his country and contribute meaningfully in what appears destined to be his farewell World Cup. We comprehend that. However, the truth is he's no longer able to provide what this squad requires at this standard.
Portugal's roster boasts an average age of 28, brimming with players at the pinnacle of their careers - and that is precisely why the side cannot continue reshaping its entire framework simply to accommodate Ronaldo at 41. Certainly, it's evident the players worship Ronaldo - the 'King' of the game, the icon of an era - and that is apparent on the field. When they're pursuing a goal, he remains the one they naturally seek out, the one targeted for the decisive pass. And that, fundamentally, is hampering them.
When the Selecao hunted for a winner against Congo, Bruno Fernandes' response spoke volumes when Ronaldo seized a cross he ought to have ignored - with the United skipper ideally positioned behind him. With Champions League victors such as Joao Neves, Vitinha, Goncalo Ramos and Nuno Mendes, plus a generation flourishing across Europe, Portugal simply no longer requires dependence on the sole player who shaped their history.
Fans and Pundits Call for Change
He remains, undoubtedly, the finest footballer Portugal has ever nurtured and amongst the most significant personalities the sport has ever witnessed. He brought home silverware, shattered records and gifted the nation memories that will endure eternally. But at 41, he is no longer the powerhouse he was five or ten years ago - and yes, it's painful to witness an era gradually drawing to a close. Portugal recognises this. The entire nation does. We remain thankful for everything he has contributed - immeasurable gifts - but appreciation cannot determine team selection. It is time to allow others to emerge, to permit the next generation to mould the squad's destiny rather than remaining trapped in yesteryear.
That view is increasingly echoed amongst the Portuguese public and media. "The issue we have is that he will only leave when he wants to. He is the one that decides this and knowing his personality... that is where the problem lies," one Portuguese user wrote on social media. "We have a manager who is not brave enough to put CR7 on the bench and that limits our game. Everyone knows this even those who understand little about football. Ronaldo can still help this team but he will not make a difference than other players who can offer more," another added.
A third demanded: "To build a team, it's not just one old player and ten others conditioned by him. Please, Martinez. Wake up," while another pointed out: "Ronaldo is preventing Goncalo Ramos from being a starter, even though he's a much faster player, and when combined with Vitinha and Co, the style of play will simply be different. We have more speed and more depth."
Pundit's Blunt Assessment
Portuguese broadcaster SIC's pundit Ricardo Lemos offered a brutal assessment of why 'CR7' has become the focal point of Portugal's difficulties. "It's very difficult for a player who has been competing at the highest level for 23 or 24 years to have the self‐awareness to admit when the moment has arrived to step aside," he said. "Who has the courage to take Ronaldo out of the national team?"
"It's important to understand a player's physical level, their mental state, and for the player himself to recognise whether he is still capable of helping the team in the way he has for so many years. At 41, it's impossible to maintain the same strength and the same capabilities. In the player's mind, he believes he still can - but then his body doesn't respond, and it no longer follows the same guidelines."
Martinez Defends Decision
At the heart of the controversy sits Martinez, who has borne the brunt of criticism for the choices he continues to defend. Defending his decision to keep Ronaldo on the field while substituting Vitinha for Ramos, the Spaniard explained: "It doesn't make sense to take off a striker when you need goals. For us, in moments like this, Cristiano's experience in the box is important. The way he draws defenders in is important, the way we can use space is important. And every player has a specific responsibility or quality on the pitch. And clearly, when you're looking for goals, you need to count on Cristiano."
Meanwhile, the skipper himself reckons that 'nothing' was absent from the clash with Congo. The Al Nassr striker declared: "What was missing? Nothing - this is football. Portugal could have won but could also have lost. It could have gone either way." Such explanations merely highlight the broader problem: Portugal continue to build their approach around a version of Ronaldo that no longer exists. Box presence might sound appealing on paper, but not when it marginalises players who provide significantly greater movement, energy and attacking threat.
Crucial Match Against Uzbekistan Ahead
All attention will now focus on Portugal's second fixture against Uzbekistan on Tuesday, June 23 - a clash that will reveal whether lessons have been learned or if identical errors are set to be repeated. It represents a crucial encounter, particularly with Colombia - their final group adversary - already on the board following their opening triumph. Another stalemate would leave Portugal in genuine jeopardy and amplify the pressure surrounding every tactical choice. At that stage, the heat would escalate from worry to full-blown crisis, and the inquiries would cease to be diplomatic.
