Portugal Faces Ronaldo Rift After 10-Game Major-Tournament Goal Drought

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 23

Joao Neves's post-match remark that Cristiano Ronaldo is "one more player" triggered a backlash after Portugal's 1-1 World Cup draw with DR Congo, pushing the squad into what local media called a risk of "civil war."
10 straight World Cup and Euros appearances without a goal have sharpened scrutiny of Ronaldo's role; the 41-year-old had 33 shots in that span and managed three against DR Congo without hitting the target.
Social-media attacks spread from fans to Ronaldo's inner circle, with Georgina Rodriguez and his sisters amplifying posts around fake quotes, while repeated questions about division reached Portugal's camp before Uzbekistan.
63% of fans in a Zerozero poll said Ronaldo should not start the next match, increasing pressure on coach Roberto Martinez, who has rarely substituted him early despite criticism that Portugal's attack is bending around him.
A convincing result against Uzbekistan—ideally with Ronaldo scoring—is now seen inside Portugal as the quickest way to calm a debate overshadowing a team still viewed as a golden generation.