Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez has refused to confirm whether Cristiano Ronaldo will start in Tuesday’s crucial World Cup showdown against Uzbekistan, following the veteran forward’s disappointing outing in the team’s opening match.
Ronaldo, now 41, endured a frustrating night in Portugal’s 1-1 draw with Congo, failing to find the back of the net and missing two big chances in the second half. His performance quickly became a hot topic among football pundits and fans, with many questioning whether Martínez should have taken him off as Portugal struggled to break through.
But speaking ahead of the next game, Martínez kept his cards close to his chest.
“I can’t inform you about the starting 11 because I haven’t informed my players,” the Portugal boss said on Monday when asked directly if Ronaldo would keep his place.
Despite the criticism surrounding his captain, Martínez made it clear that outside noise won’t distract his squad.
“When you’re playing in a World Cup, there’s always going to be pressure, noise, and tension. It’s part of football at this level,” he said. “Our focus remains on the team. We want to show the right attitude and be fully ready for the next match. We are strong, and if anything, this team feels even more united.”
Without naming Ronaldo directly, Martínez also suggested that some of the criticism aimed at his players had gone too far.
“Some of it has been unfair. It’s unjust,” he added.
Ronaldo stayed silent after the Congo draw but has since responded on social media, signaling his determination to bounce back. In his first post after the game, he wrote: “It wasn’t the start we wanted, but this is far from over. Head up and focus on the next game.”
A day later, he shared training photos with the caption: “Focused on the mission.”
This tournament has already added another historic milestone to Ronaldo’s legendary career. Alongside Lionel Messi, he became the first male player to appear in six FIFA World Cups. But there’s still another record within reach.
Ronaldo is aiming to become the first player ever to score in six different World Cups. Right now, he shares that feat with Messi, who has already netted five times in Argentina’s first two games this year, taking his overall World Cup tally to 18 goals across five tournaments.
Even after Ronaldo’s underwhelming opener — where he managed just 25 touches — Martínez remains fully confident in what the Portuguese icon brings to the team.
“Cristiano is the best in those situations,” Martínez said. “The numbers speak for themselves. Over the last 32 games, he’s shown how valuable he is — not just in scoring, but in creating movement, opening spaces, and finding dangerous positions.”
Uzbekistan manager Fabio Cannavaro also knows Ronaldo remains a major threat, regardless of recent criticism.
“We have to be very careful, especially in the box,” Cannavaro warned. “You cannot leave a player like Cristiano alone. He can score from anywhere — free kicks, open play, even corners. Our players must stay fully focused.”
With Portugal under pressure to secure their first win of the tournament, all eyes will once again be on Ronaldo — whether he starts or comes off the bench — as he looks to silence his critics and chase more World Cup history.
