Cristiano Ronaldo issued a defiant statement amid mounting calls for the Portugal captain to be axed from Roberto Martinez's World Cup starting XI. One of the pre-tournament favourites began their campaign with an underwhelming 1-1 draw against DR Congo.
An early Joao Neves header looked likely to put Martinez's side on course for a routine win, but Portugal failed to build on that platform and were pegged back before half-time when Yoane Wissa equalised. Former Everton and Wigan manager Martinez rang the changes after the break, but saw fit to keep Ronaldo on the pitch for the full 90 minutes despite the side's talisman looking a shadow of his former self.
After another ineffective display, during which he managed just 25 touches, Ronaldo's run without a goal at a major tournament has now extended to 10 matches and his continued presence in the team now appears more of a hinderance than a help. While other leading lights, including the likes of Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, have started the tournament with a bang, Ronaldo looked every inch his 41 years of age as he was easily contained by a DR Congo side, who even admitted they didn't need to put a special plan in place to nullify his threat.
Midfielder Ngal Ayel Mukau said: 'A special plan to contain Cristiano Ronaldo? To be honest, not really. We know that he isn't the same as before. He's a bit older now. But still, he's one of the greatest, much respect to him.'
Portugal continue their campaign against Uzbekistan next Tuesday ahead of which Martinez is likely to face further calls to restrict Ronaldo's role to that of an impact substitute. The former multiple Ballon d'Or winner, however, insists all is not lost after the first game of the competition, writing on Instagram: 'Not the start we wanted. But this is far from over. Head up and focus on the next game.'
Martinez, meanwhile, was not in the mood to speak specifically about Ronaldo's performance in the post-match press conference, suggesting the forward was not given the support he needed. 'We have to utilize all the players on the pitch. The lead attacker (Ronaldo) needs to be close to the six-yard box and we need to get the ball (to him).'
Asked if he thought about substituting Ronaldo, Martinez said the forward's experience was key. 'It makes no sense to get the best goalscorer in world football out in a game that you need goals. For us in moments like this, the experience of Cristiano in the box is important. The way that he attracts defenders is important, the way that we can use the space is important. And every player has a responsibility or a piece of quality on the pitch. And clearly when you look for goals, you need to have Cristiano.'
