Portugal don't need to drop Cristiano Ronaldo, but Martinez must learn when to act

Another major tournament, another debate over Cristiano Ronaldo's place in Portugal's starting lineup. The 41-year-old's anonymous display in the World Cup opener against DR Congo — three shots, none on target, just nine touches — left Portugal held to a draw and prompted criticism after Roberto Martinez kept him on for the full 90 minutes.

Martinez defended his decision, arguing it “makes no sense to get the best goal-scorer in world football out in a game that you need goals,” and urged calm by pointing to previous tournaments where early setbacks were overcome. Still, the persistence of the issue means the coach faces tough choices about game management.

Ronaldo's wider tournament form is hard to ignore: he has now gone 10 matches without scoring at major finals, with his last open-play goal at a finals coming in June 2021. He did contribute significantly in qualifying and helped in last year's Nations League success, but the lack of impact at the biggest events has become a recurring concern.

Portugal

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