Cristiano Ronaldo has delivered a clear message after Portugal's disappointing start to the 2026 World Cup, where they were held to a draw by DR Congo. Portugal entered the match as overwhelming favourites, with many expecting them to dominate proceedings and score freely, given the quality in their squad. Instead, they found themselves frustrated for long periods despite taking an early lead inside the opening 10 minutes.
Cristiano Ronaldo sends message after Portugal's World Cup stumble (REUTERS)
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While Portugal enjoyed the majority of possession, their much-vaunted midfield struggled to turn that control into clear-cut chances. The team lacked the creativity and sharpness expected from a side packed with attacking talent, allowing DR Congo to remain in the contest throughout the match. Ronaldo, meanwhile, was unable to make the decisive impact supporters had hoped for. The veteran forward endured a quiet evening in front of goal and rarely looked like breaking the deadlock after Portugal's early strike, leaving plenty of room for improvement as the tournament progresses.
With Portugal dropping points in a match many expected them to win, Ronaldo sought to strike a positive tone afterwards. The captain admitted the result was not what the team wanted, but made it clear that their World Cup ambitions remain intact.
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"It wasn't the start we wanted, but this is far from over. Head up and focus on the next game," Ronaldo posted on social media.
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"It wasn't the start we wanted, but this is far from over. Head up and focus on the next game," Ronaldo posted on social media.
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“We have to be very self-critical”: Portugal coach
The numbers summed up Ronaldo's difficult night. He recorded only 25 touches, failed to put any of his three shots on target and won just a single duel, highlighting the disciplined job done by the DR Congo backline.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez did not shy away from the shortcomings in his team's performance, admitting there was plenty to improve after the disappointing draw with DR Congo.
"We do have to improve. We have to be very self-critical," Martinez was quoted as saying by Reuters.
Martinez also urged his players to use the result as a learning experience rather than dwell on the disappointment, stressing the importance of honest self-assessment while maintaining belief in the team's ability to improve as the tournament progresses.
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"Our responsibility here, I think, is to assess this match, be self-critical, and that's the bottom line ... the World Cup is like that. We continue our work. I noticed that the attitude of the players was extraordinary first and foremost, and I do believe in what we can do," he added.
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
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Home/Sports/Football/Cristiano Ronaldo issues rallying cry after Portugal's disappointing World Cup opener
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