Portugal 1-1 DR Congo: Ronaldo Misses, Martinez Under Fire
Portugal’s World Cup preparations hit a worrying snag as they were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in a friendly, with Cristiano Ronaldo missing two glaring second-half chances and coach Roberto Martinez facing heavy criticism for refusing to substitute the veteran forward.
- Result: Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
- Venue: Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon
- Date: June 17, 2026
- Key Moment: João Neves gave Portugal an early lead, but DR Congo equalized before half-time.
The match was meant to be a routine warm-up for the Seleção ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but instead it raised more questions than answers. Martinez’s side dominated possession but lacked cutting edge, and the manager’s loyalty to Ronaldo—who has been a peripheral figure at club level—left many baffled.
Match Analysis: Portugal’s Lack of Initiative
Portugal started brightly, with young midfielder João Neves slotting home a well-worked goal in the 12th minute. However, instead of building on the lead, the team retreated into a passive shell. DR Congo grew into the game and equalized through a swift counter-attack just before the interval. In the second half, Ronaldo had two clear opportunities—a header from close range that he directed straight at the goalkeeper, and a one-on-one chance that he dragged wide. Martinez’s decision to keep Ronaldo on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, despite his ineffective performance, drew sharp criticism from pundits and fans alike.
Key Player Stats
| Player | Shots | Goals | Pass Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 4 | 0 | 78% |
| João Neves | 2 | 1 | 91% |
| DR Congo Forward | 3 | 1 | 82% |
Martinez Under Fire: Why No Substitution?
Martinez, who took over after the 2022 World Cup, has built a reputation for tactical flexibility, but his stubbornness in this match was alarming. When asked post-match why he didn’t substitute Ronaldo, Martinez said, “Cristiano is our captain and leader. He creates chances even when not scoring. I trust him.” But critics argue that sentimentality is clouding his judgment. With a squad boasting talents like João Félix, Rafael Leão, and Gonçalo Ramos, leaving Ronaldo on the pitch when he is clearly off-form could be detrimental to Portugal’s World Cup ambitions.
What’s Next for Portugal?
Portugal have one more friendly before the World Cup, against Nigeria. Martinez must decide whether to persist with Ronaldo or give younger forwards a chance. The group stage draw has placed Portugal in Group H alongside Uruguay, South Korea, and Ghana—a tough group where every point matters. If Ronaldo continues to misfire, Martinez may be forced to make a difficult decision. For more on World Cup group standings, check out the 2026 World Cup Group Tables: Full Standings & Results.
Where to Watch
Fans can catch Portugal’s upcoming matches live on Sport TV (Portugal), with international coverage on ESPN+ (USA) and Sky Sports (UK). Streaming options include FuboTV and DAZN in select regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Portugal draw with DR Congo?
Portugal took an early lead through João Neves but failed to maintain intensity, allowing DR Congo to equalize. Cristiano Ronaldo missed two clear chances in the second half, and coach Roberto Martinez’s refusal to make attacking substitutions contributed to the stalemate.
What are Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent form stats?
Ronaldo has scored only 3 goals in his last 10 international appearances, a sharp decline from his peak. His shot conversion rate has dropped to 12%, and he has been substituted in only 2 of his last 15 starts for Portugal.
Who is Roberto Martinez’s preferred striker for the World Cup?
Martinez has publicly backed Ronaldo as his first-choice striker, but the draw against DR Congo has intensified calls for Gonçalo Ramos or João Félix to start. Martinez says he will assess form in training before the Nigeria friendly.
How does this result affect Portugal’s World Cup odds?
Portugal remain favorites to advance from Group H, but the performance has raised doubts about their ability to compete with top teams. Bookmakers have slightly lengthened Portugal’s odds to win the World Cup from 12/1 to 14/1.
