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Ronaldo fails to make World Cup history as pundit slams coach's decision to keep him on
Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score in his sixth World Cup as Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo. Pundit Chris Sutton criticised coach Roberto Martinez for keeping the 41-year-old on the pitch, accusing him of being afraid to make the substitution.
Quick Facts
Who
Cristiano Ronaldo
What
Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo
When
2026-06-17
Where
Houston
- Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo
- Ronaldo failed to score in a sixth World Cup
- Sutton criticised Martinez for not substituting Ronaldo
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Roberto Martinez
Cristiano Ronaldo failed to become the first player to score in six different World Cups as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston on Wednesday. The 41-year-old captain struggled to make an impact throughout the match, drawing sharp criticism from former Premier League striker Chris Sutton.
Sutton, commentating on the game for BBC Radio 5 Live, accused Portugal coach Roberto Martinez of being afraid to substitute the veteran forward. When Martinez brought on Goncalo Ramos for midfielder Vitinha in the 83rd minute instead of replacing Ronaldo, Sutton described the decision as 'embarrassing' and suggested that the game had passed Ronaldo by.
"He's afraid to substitute him. He's not the coach. He (Ronaldo) could score the winner, but the game has passed him by today," Sutton said during the broadcast. The draw leaves Portugal second in their group with one match remaining against Uzbekistan on Tuesday, before facing Colombia on June 28.
Why This Matters
For football fans and pundits, the reluctance to substitute an aging star despite poor performance raises questions about player-coach dynamics and decision-making under pressure. It underscores how legacy and reputation can influence tactical choices, potentially costing a team crucial points in a tournament.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 17, 2026
WirePortugal draw 1-1 with DR Congo in Houston; Ronaldo fails to score; Sutton criticises coach Martinez
Jun 23, 2026
WirePortugal to play Uzbekistan in second group match
Jun 28, 2026
WirePortugal to play Colombia in final group match