Martinez defends Ronaldo after draw with DR Congo

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez defended his side's performance and rejected concerns over Cristiano Ronaldo's goal drought after a 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their World Cup Group K opener at Houston Stadium on Wednesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks on during the group K match between Portugal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Houston Stadium in Houston, the United States, June 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Portugal took an early lead through Joao Neves in the sixth minute and appeared in control in the opening stages. However, it failed to extend its advantage and was later punished as DR Congo, competing in its first World Cup in 52 years, equalized to secure a historic point.

Ronaldo, 41, played the full 90 minutes but delivered a relatively subdued performance and was unable to make a decisive impact in front of goal.

Asked whether the veteran striker should be substituted in tight matches, Martinez dismissed the idea.

"It makes no sense to take out the best goalscorer in world football in a match where you need goals," he said after the game.

Martinez suggested that Portugal's main problem came after scoring early, when the team lost attacking intensity and allowed its opponent to reorganize defensively.

"We started very well, controlled the game and entered the final third effectively," he said. "But after scoring, instead of pushing for a second goal, we became more focused on possession. That reduced our depth and gave DR Congo space to counterattack."

Portugal managed only a handful of chances after the opening goal and struggled to break down a compact DR Congo defense, as the African side held firm to earn a valuable point in a difficult group.

Martinez urged calm in response to the result, stressing that early setbacks are common at World Cups and do not define a team's trajectory.

"This is just the first game," Martinez said. "We will analyze it, correct our mistakes and prepare for the next match."

Portugal will face Uzbekistan on June 23 in Houston.