Story perspectives

Portugal Draws 1-1 with Congo, Ronaldo Still Scoreless

6/21/2026

Summary

Ronaldo Stays, Portugal Draws

Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Coach Roberto Martinez kept Cristiano Ronaldo in the lineup despite his fifth straight World Cup match without scoring.
Martinez said Diogo Neves’ early goal forced Portugal to hold possession, letting Congo reorganize and counter.
Martinez defended swapping Vitinha for Sergio Ramos, saying Ronaldo’s draw of defenders creates chances while Portugal prepares to meet Uzbekistan on Tuesday in Houston.

Summary

Dalot Shields

Diogo Dalot said Portugal held a pre-World Cup meeting to shield players from social-media criticism.
Ruben Dias dismissed the backlash against Cristiano Ronaldo as insignificant noise, while Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha’s feeds were flooded with calls for respect toward Ronaldo.
Diogo Dalot called the early 1-1 draw a positive that lets Portugal confront criticism.
The squad said any criticism is normal and will not affect their determination to win.

Summary

Ronaldo Sister Clarifies

Ronaldo's sister publicly clarified Bruno Fernandes' role after Portugal's disappointing draw.
She said Rodrigo Mora, Mateus Fernandes, Pedro Gonçalves, João Palhinha and Ricardo Horta missed chances, noting the squad’s average age of 28 makes building tactics around 41-year-old Ronaldo unreasonable.
The commentary noted Portugal’s triumphs relied on Cristiano Ronaldo but his present level no longer meets standards, while Roberto Martinez kept him on the pitch in the opener despite criticism.

Summary

Ronaldo Crucial

Analysts say Portugal continues to build its tactics around Cristiano Ronaldo despite his reduced impact.
This reliance on Ronaldo’s experience restricts the use of more mobile and intense players.
Portugal must win its Group H match against Uzbekistan on Tuesday, June 23, to stay alive.
A second draw would push Portugal into a full-blown crisis after Colombia’s earlier victory raised the stakes.

History

Historical Context

Euro 2004, the 12th UEFA European Championship, was hosted by Portugal from 12 June to 4 July 2004. After beating Russia and the Netherlands, host nation Portugal, managed by Luiz Felipe Scolari and featuring Luís Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo, met Greece in the final—a repeat of the opening match—and lost 1-0 to Angelos Charisteas, making Greece the first team to win the tournament as 150-1 outsiders.

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Ronaldo Stays, Portugal Draws

Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Coach Roberto Martinez kept Cristiano Ronaldo in the lineup despite his fifth straight World Cup match without scoring.
Martinez said Diogo Neves’ early goal forced Portugal to hold possession, letting Congo reorganize and counter.
Martinez defended swapping Vitinha for Sergio Ramos, saying Ronaldo’s draw of defenders creates chances while Portugal prepares to meet Uzbekistan on Tuesday in Houston.

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