Portugal started strong in Houston, with Joao Neves heading in the opening goal in the 6th minute from a Pedro Neto cross. However, Roberto Martinez's squad failed to maintain pressure and conceded an equalizer by Yoane Wissa in first-half stoppage time.

Despite 75% possession, Portugal managed only one shot on target the entire match – Neves' goal. Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes but failed to score, extending a 10-match goalless streak in major tournaments. Consequently, Goal magazine rated Ronaldo, midfielder Bernardo Silva, and coach Martinez with 3 points, the lowest of the match.

Cristiano Ronaldo argues with referee Abdulrahman Al-Jassim (Qatar) after he showed a yellow card to Bernardo Silva during the Group K World Cup 2026 match between Portugal and DR Congo in Houston, 17/6. Photo: AP

According to Goal, Ronaldo was largely absent for 99% of the match. When opportunities arose, the 41-year-old forward missed Portugal's two clearest chances in the second half.

The article also criticized the decision to continue relying on Ronaldo. The Spanish coach's familiar tactical setup proved ineffective, and keeping Ronaldo on the field for the entire match demonstrated a "conservative" approach. The 52-year-old coach faces significant pressure if Portugal fails to defeat Uzbekistan in their next game.

In contrast to Ronaldo, Joao Neves received the team's highest rating from Goal, with 7 points, for his opening goal and extensive work rate across the field. Substitute Francisco Conceicao also earned 7 points, providing a rare spark to the attack.

Joao Neves' opening goal. Portugal's collective performance was disappointing. After their early goal, they played slowly, circulated the ball cautiously, and treated the match like a training session. Meanwhile, DR Congo patiently waited for counter-attacking opportunities and "deserved their equalizer thanks to Wissa's effort".

American magazine Sports Illustrated was more lenient, rating Ronaldo 6,7 points, higher only than left-back Nuno Mendes (6,4) and Silva (5,7). However, its analysis still focused on the veteran striker's decline. At 41, he became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match. Beyond this historic milestone, he made little professional impact.

Ronaldo had no shots in the first half. By the end of the match, he had three shots, all off target, and touched the ball only 25 times. The forward also created no chances for his teammates.

The article contrasted Ronaldo with Lionel Messi, who recently scored a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria. While Messi delivered an explosive performance, Ronaldo extended his goalless streak in major tournaments, dating back to a penalty against Ghana in the World Cup 2022 group stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo dribbles during the Group K World Cup 2026 match between Portugal and DR Congo in Houston, 17/6. Photo: AP

The magazine suggested that Ronaldo's goal-scoring instinct remains, but he is no longer the type of forward who can single-handedly make a difference. The article questioned, "Does Martinez have the courage to drop the captain from the starting lineup?"

The DAZN platform also rated Ronaldo's performance low, giving him 5,9 points, only higher than Bernardo Silva (5,8). Ronaldo's first shot in the match came only in the 69th minute. For the remainder of the game, he was minimally involved in play and failed to create significant pressure on the opposing defense.

The British platform noted Conceicao as Portugal's most promising player in the second half. The winger repeatedly troubled DR Congo's defense and created opportunities for Ronaldo, but the Portugal captain failed to convert them.

Statistically, Ronaldo received the lowest rating from Sofascore (6,1). In contrast, Silva, who was substituted after the first half, still received 6,2 points. Joao Neves was rated the highest of the match with 8,0 points.

Despite the opening draw, Portugal still has many opportunities to advance, as they will face Uzbekistan and Colombia in their two remaining matches. Ronaldo also urged his teammates to forget the disappointment in Houston. "It's far from over for Portugal," he wrote on his personal page after the match.