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Jun 23, 2026 Major2
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Michael Owen Defends Cristiano Ronaldo After Portugal Draw, Predicts Hat-trick Against Uzbekistan
Michael Owen defended Cristiano Ronaldo following Portugal's 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo, arguing the 41-year-old is being treated unfairly despite failing to score. Owen predicted Ronaldo will respond with a hat-trick against Uzbekistan, citing his history of bouncing back after criticism.
Quick Facts
Who
Cristiano Ronaldo
What
Portugal drew 1-1 with Democratic Republic of Congo
When
June 18, 2026 - Portugal vs Democratic Republic of Congo
Where
Houston Stadium
- Portugal drew 1-1 with Democratic Republic of Congo
- Ronaldo failed to score and struggled to create opportunities
- Michael Owen defended Ronaldo in an article for Daily Mail
- Owen predicted Ronaldo would score a hat-trick against Uzbekistan
- Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria the previous night
Cristiano Ronaldo faced significant criticism following Portugal's 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo at Houston Stadium, but former striker Michael Owen has come to his defense. The 2001 Ballon d'Or winner, who previously played for Liverpool and Real Madrid, argued that Ronaldo is being treated unfairly and has demonstrated his best efforts despite an underwhelming performance in which he failed to score or create clear opportunities.
Owen acknowledged that Lionel Messi's hat-trick against Algeria the previous night added pressure on Ronaldo, but he resisted joining the chorus of critics. He explained that Ronaldo has never been heavily involved in build-up play, particularly in recent years, and instead operates as a decisive finisher for crucial moments. Owen emphasized that at 41 years old, the Portuguese captain is inherently susceptible to criticism, but his positioning within the team structure should be accepted by those who select him.
The former striker pointed to Ronaldo's historical pattern of responding to criticism with strong performances in subsequent matches. Owen expressed confidence that Ronaldo will bounce back against Uzbekistan on June 24, 2026, and predicted the forward could even produce a hat-trick. He noted that this would not be the first time Ronaldo has silenced detractors after a difficult outing.
Despite the waves of criticism and debate over whether he should continue as a starter, Ronaldo retains the public backing of Portugal coach Roberto Martinez and is expected to start against Uzbekistan. The Al Nassr forward is currently on a ten-match scoring drought in major international tournaments and is determined to end it, using the criticism as motivation to prove his continued value to the national team.
Why This Matters
This development matters because it sheds light on the ongoing debate about aging star athletes in international football. With Ronaldo facing mounting criticism at 41, Owen's defense—combined with coach Roberto Martinez's public support—highlights the tension between statistical performance and role utility in elite sports. For readers interested in football management and player psychology, this illustrates how elite athletes respond to pressure and the role of mentorship and institutional backing in sustaining careers.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WirePortugal draws 1-1 with Democratic Republic of Congo at Houston Stadium; Ronaldo fails to score
Jun 24, 2026
WirePortugal scheduled to play Uzbekistan; Ronaldo expected to start