Portugal's national team is standing by captain Cristiano Ronaldo amid mounting criticism following their 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo in their World Cup opener. Defender Ruben Dias dismissed the backlash as "noise" and part of the competition, emphasizing the team's focus on moving forward. Ronaldo, who has not scored in 10 consecutive major tournament games, faced sharp criticism from analysts and fans, including former France striker Thierry Henry, who suggested the 41-year-old was prioritizing personal glory over team success.
Portugal's Response: Dias defended Ronaldo, noting the veteran forward is accustomed to media pressure and that the team must perform collectively to succeed. He also confirmed his readiness to play in the upcoming match against Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, Ronaldo's sister, Katia Aveiro, accused teammates of failing to pass to him, sparking speculation of internal tensions within the squad.
Criticism and Backlash: French sports commentator Daniel Riolo labeled Ronaldo and coach Roberto Martínez as "dead weight," arguing that the team's play was hindered by Ronaldo's ego and declining skills. Other analysts criticized Ronaldo for selfish play, including attempts to force goals rather than passing to better-positioned teammates. The debate has intensified, with some fans and pundits calling for Ronaldo to step down from the national team.
Team Dynamics: Reports of a potential "civil war" within the squad emerged after Aveiro's comments, which accused teammates of sabotaging Ronaldo. Portuguese journalist Vitor Pinto warned of growing polarization, noting that any criticism of Ronaldo triggers strong reactions. Coach Martínez has faced scrutiny for not substituting Ronaldo despite his struggles, with some suggesting the decision was influenced by fear of backlash.