'The team needs to score, not you': Ronaldo under scrutiny after lacklustre performance

Cristiano Ronaldo's record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance began not with celebration, but with renewed questions over his role in the Portugal side after a disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their Group K opener on Wednesday.

At 41, Ronaldo remains one of football's most recognisable figures, yet his latest performance has intensified concerns that Portugal's attack may be suffering from an overreliance on their ageing captain. While Joao Neves gave Portugal an early lead, Yoane Wissa's second-half header earned DR Congo a historic first World Cup point and exposed shortcomings in the European side's overall display.

Former France striker Thierry Henry offered one of the most detailed critiques during his analysis on FOX Sports. Focusing on a second-half attacking sequence involving Francisco Conceicao and Bruno Fernandes, Henry argued that Ronaldo's decision-making reflected an individual desire to score rather than a collective effort to create chances.

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"The team needs to score, it's not you who needs to score," Henry said. He explained that Ronaldo's movement drew him into Fernandes' path instead of pulling defenders away and creating space. According to Henry, a different run could have forced the defender into a difficult decision and opened a clear scoring opportunity for Portugal. Instead, the attack became congested, allowing the defence to intervene.

Former Ghana international Kevin-Prince Boateng went even further in his assessment. Speaking on SBS Sport, Boateng suggested that Portugal would benefit from reducing Ronaldo's role and allowing younger attacking players to take centre stage.

"Portugal is a better side without him," Boateng said, arguing that Ronaldo's presence creates pressure on teammates to constantly look for him rather than make the best tactical decision. He suggested the veteran forward could be more effective as an impact substitute during the closing stages of matches.

Not everyone agreed with the criticism. Former England captain Wayne Rooney offered a more nuanced view, pointing out that Ronaldo's positioning often creates space for teammates. Rooney argued that defenders remain focused on tracking Ronaldo, even when he is not directly involved in play, which can open opportunities elsewhere on the pitch.

However, Rooney also acknowledged that DR Congo appeared to show greater hunger and intensity throughout the match, a factor that contributed significantly to Portugal's struggles.

The statistics provide further ammunition for Ronaldo's critics. The Portuguese forward was held scoreless for a fifth consecutive World Cup match and has now gone ten straight appearances in major international tournaments without finding the net. More strikingly, he has not scored a non-penalty goal in either a World Cup or European Championship since June 2021.

Against DR Congo, Ronaldo attempted three shots but failed to register a single effort on target. It marked the sixth World Cup match of his career in which he failed to test the goalkeeper, highlighting the growing gap between his reputation and his current effectiveness at the highest level.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez remained steadfast in his support of his captain. Drawing comparisons with previous World Cup winners who recovered from disappointing starts, Martinez dismissed suggestions that drastic changes were required after one match. He also rejected calls to substitute Ronaldo earlier, insisting there was "no sense" in doing so.

Yet the debate surrounding Ronaldo's role is unlikely to disappear. Portugal possess one of the most talented generations in their history, with creative players such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Joao Neves capable of driving the team forward. The challenge for Martinez is balancing respect for a football icon with the tactical demands of a side seeking World Cup success.

For now, Ronaldo's legacy remains unquestioned. His influence on this Portugal team, however, is becoming an increasingly difficult conversation to avoid. After a frustrating opening match and another scoreless outing, the spotlight is once again fixed on whether Portugal's greatest-ever player is still their best option in pursuit of football's biggest prize.