Ronaldo, appearing at a record extending sixth World Cup, failed to register a shot on target and missed two clear chances as Portugal could not find a winner. Former England striker Jay Bothroyd argued Portugal would be better served if the Al Nassr forward accepted a reduced role and came off the bench as an impact substitute.
Have to be honest, I think if Ronaldo is a team player, I think he should step down and understand that he has to be a player that comes off the bench as an impact player. Is he ever going to do that? Nope, I don't think he is. And that's my point.
Bothroyd also questioned Ronaldo's continued pursuit of comparisons with Lionel Messi and said it was affecting Portugal's collective balance.
I look at Ronaldo and… the Ronaldo faithful are going to hate me today, but it looks like it's all about him, yeah? You know, and he's always chasing Messi all the time. He's never going to be Messi, but what he has throughout his career, he's made the absolute most out of his career… But right now he's becoming more of a hindrance for Portugal than help, and I think that's where Martinez is going wrong.
Martinez has shown no sign of changing course. After the match, the Portugal boss defended his decision to keep Ronaldo on the pitch and stressed the value of his captain's experience when games stay tight.
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.
Portugal now turn their attention to a second Group K match against Uzbekistan, with another slip up likely to raise the pressure on Martinez to find the right attacking balance. Ronaldo attempted to stay positive on social media, telling supporters the tournament is far from over despite the disappointing start.
