Cristiano Ronaldo's Place Uncertain As Portugal Hide Starting XI: 'It Is Part Of The Game'

Published 23 June 2026 · sports

Cristiano Ronaldo's Place Uncertain As Portugal Hide Starting XI: 'It Is Part Of The Game' Published By, Last Updated: June 23, 2026, 13:28 IST Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo's Place Uncertain As Portugal Hide Starting XI: 'It Is Part Of The Game' Published By, Last Updated: June 23, 2026, 13:28 IST Portugal coach Roberto Martinez defends Cristiano Ronaldo amidst criticism, keeps starting XI vs Uzbekistan secret as Portugal seek FIFA World Cup response. Rapid Read Cristiano Ronaldo appeared a shadow of his own self against Congo (Picture credit: AP) Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has said that he cannot inform the media about his playing XI in the upcoming match against Uzbekistan, since he hasn’t informed the players either, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s spot in the XI still undecided. Portugal arrived at the FIFA World Cup as one of the tournament favourites, armed with a team packed with flair and attacking quality, led by Ronaldo at the spearhead of their attack.

But Ronaldo’s underwhelming display in Portugal’s stuttering 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo reignited debate over whether the skipper still merits a place in the starting XI. “I can’t inform you about the starting 11 because I haven’t informed my players," Martinez said while speaking to the media. Martinez has continued to offer staunch support for Ronaldo, despite his failure to score in his last 10 games at major tournaments. Ronaldo’s display became a major talking point, with television experts and social media users questioning both his finishing and the decision to keep him on the pitch as Portugal searched for a breakthrough. “We are playing a World Cup so of course we have a lot of noise and tension, but it is part of the game.

The focus is on the team and we want to show a positive attitude to be ready for the match," Martinez said. “We are very much focused. We are strong. The team is even more united than before. Some of the criticism is unfair; it is unjust," Martinez added. “It was not the start we wanted, but this is far from over. Heads up and focus on the next game," Ronaldo later posted on Instagram. Despite managing only 25 touches in the opener, Ronaldo remains at the heart of Portugal’s tactical plans. Martínez insisted that the former continues to offer decisive quality in the final third and remains a key figure in the team’s attacking setup.

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