Ronaldo benching makes no sense when goals needed: Martinez after Portugal-Congo draw
Synopsis
Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their World Cup 2026 opener — a result that handed the Leopards their first-ever World Cup point after 52 years away. Coach Roberto Martinez defended keeping Ronaldo on for the full 90, arguing his off-ball value is irreplaceable when goals are needed. Ronaldo's 23rd appearance puts him level with Paolo Maldini on the all-time list.
Key Takeaways
Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K opener in Houston on 18 June .
Joao Neves opened the scoring with a header; Yoane Wissa equalised with a header on the stroke of half-time.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match, playing the full 90 minutes .
It was Ronaldo's 23rd World Cup appearance , placing him fourth all-time alongside Paolo Maldini .
The draw gave DR Congo their first-ever World Cup point after a 52-year absence from the finals.
Coach Roberto Martinez defended Ronaldo's selection, citing his ability to attract defenders and create space.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez firmly defended his decision to keep Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch for the full 90 minutes in the team's FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K opener against DR Congo in Houston on 18 June, as the two sides played out a 1-1 draw that denied Portugal a winning start to their campaign.
Joao Neves had given Portugal the lead with a header, but Yoane Wissa cancelled it out with a stunning header of his own on the stroke of half-time, earning Congo their first-ever World Cup point after a 52-year absence from the tournament's final stages.
Martinez on Ronaldo's role
'We were finding it difficult because they had a back six. And in a situation like that, you can use his qualities. It makes no sense to get a player like Cristiano out of a game where you need goals. The straight line is not the quickest way. The way he attracts defenders and uses space is valuable. When you need goals, you need a player like Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch,' Martinez said after the match.
Ronaldo, who became the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match, was unable to find the net himself but Martinez maintained that his presence created structural value beyond direct goal contributions.
A historic appearance for Ronaldo
The match marked Ronaldo's 23rd World Cup appearance, placing him fourth on the all-time list — level with Italian legend Paolo Maldini. The milestone underscored the enduring scale of Ronaldo's international career, even as questions persist about his influence at the highest level in the twilight of his playing days.
How the match unfolded
Portugal started brightly, with Neves' early header giving them the initiative. However, they struggled to build on that advantage as Congo — marshalling a disciplined defensive block of six — gradually grew into the contest. Wissa's powerful header just before the break reset the game and visibly shifted momentum.
'We started the match very well. Scoring should have been a great moment, but it wasn't. I think we lost a bit of our attacking depth, lost fluency in possession, and allowed them to regain their shape somewhat,' Martinez acknowledged.
Martinez's assessment and what's next
'The confidence they gained after the goal made the game very difficult, but that's what happens at World Cups. I'm very satisfied with the team's attitude. It wasn't a problem of lacking commitment or heart; we kept trying until the very end. We can grow a lot from this match,' the coach added, striking an optimistic note despite the dropped points.
For Congo's Leopards, the draw is a landmark result — their first World Cup point in history, secured against one of Europe's most decorated sides. Portugal, meanwhile, will need to sharpen their attacking fluency in subsequent Group K fixtures if they are to advance comfortably from the group stage.
Point of View
But a team of Portugal's quality should not need a back-six from Congo to expose their attacking limitations. The draw is a single point dropped, not a crisis — but if Portugal fail to convert dominance into goals in the next group match, the debate about Ronaldo's role will intensify regardless of what Martinez says at press conferences.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of Portugal vs DR Congo at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Portugal and DR Congo drew 1-1 in their Group K opener at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Houston on 18 June . Joao Neves scored for Portugal and Yoane Wissa equalised for Congo just before half-time.
Why did Roberto Martinez keep Ronaldo on for the full 90 minutes?
Martinez argued that Ronaldo's ability to attract defenders and create space makes him indispensable when goals are needed. 'It makes no sense to get a player like Cristiano out of a game where you need goals,' the coach said after the match.
What record did Cristiano Ronaldo set in this match?
Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match. It was also his 23rd World Cup appearance , placing him fourth on the all-time list alongside Italian great Paolo Maldini.
Why is the draw significant for DR Congo?
The 1-1 draw gave DR Congo their first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup. The Leopards were returning to the World Cup finals after a 52-year absence, making Wissa's equaliser a landmark moment in the country's football history.
How did the goal that levelled the match come about?
Yoane Wissa scored with a header described as a 'super header' on the stroke of half-time, cancelling out Joao Neves' earlier header for Portugal. Congo's disciplined defensive structure of six defenders made it difficult for Portugal to maintain their attacking rhythm after going ahead.
