Cristiano Ronaldo's sister launched a scathing attack on Portugal's players and appeared to endorse criticism directed at Bruno Fernandes following the team's 1-1 draw with DR Congo at the World Cup.
Portugal made a sluggish start in Group K as Joao Neves' early goal for Roberto Martinez's side was cancelled out by Yoane Wissa. Ronaldo faced heavy criticism for a subdued display, with calls for the 41-year-old to be dropped for the next group game against Uzbekistan on Tuesday.
However, Katia Aveiro, Ronaldo's sister, insisted her brother is not solely to blame for Portugal's failings. In an Instagram post, she wrote: 'They magically forgot how to pass, how to win the ball, how to counter-attack. The game became all about passing backwards in midfield. This World Cup is strange. Strange. But let's go, wrong starts, right finishes. Until the end.'
In a follow-up video, Aveiro added: 'As a supporter of my country, I was disappointed. We didn't play well, nobody played well. We started the game well, but that was just the beginning. But as I've always heard, bad starts often lead to good ends, so let's think positively. Only those who are there make mistakes. No player was good, it wasn't the team we expected.'
Aveiro then liked an Instagram post accusing Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes of 'going missing' for Portugal. The post read: 'Bruno Fernandes looks like a different player when he wears the Portugal shirt. When Portugal need a leader the most, he often goes missing and leaves the responsibility to others. Plenty of talent, plenty of media attention, but where are the decisive performances in the biggest moments? Fans expect a star who steps up when the pressure is highest, not someone who disappears when the game gets tough.'
Portugal centre-back Ruben Dias dismissed criticism of Ronaldo at a press conference on Friday. 'First of all, the arrows aren't pointing at just one player,' Dias said. 'Cristiano is a major focus of attention but I think we're all involved. Above all, apart from what I just said, I don't think anything out of the ordinary is happening. It's always been like this since I've been here. I believe it will continue to be in the future.'
