Cristiano Ronaldo has spent much of his career carrying the weight of Portugal’s expectations. Against DR Congo on June 17, however, the 41-year-old found himself carrying something else — the blame for a disappointing result that may have had deeper causes.
Portugal’s 1-1 draw in their World Cup opener quickly reignited debate over Ronaldo’s place in the side after he failed to register a shot on target. Critics pointed to another scoreless outing from the veteran forward, questioning whether his continued presence in the starting lineup is limiting Portugal’s attacking potential.
Yet focusing solely on Ronaldo risks overlooking another underwhelming performance higher up the pitch.
Bruno Fernandes, Portugal’s vice-captain, reigning Premier League Player of the Year and record-holder for most assists in a single season, endured a surprisingly ineffective evening. Widely regarded as the creative heartbeat of the side, Fernandes struggled to influence proceedings and failed to create a single clear chance during regulation time.
For much of the game, Ronaldo’s movement appeared designed to create space for teammates. The veteran forward repeatedly dragged defenders out of position, opening pockets in dangerous areas. However, Portugal rarely capitalised on those openings, with Fernandes unable to provide the decisive final pass expected from a player of his calibre.
The performance has sparked debate among Portugal supporters on social media, with many arguing that Ronaldo has become a convenient target whenever results disappoint.
“If Portugal’s creators failed to create and the attackers failed to score, why is Ronaldo the only one facing scrutiny? Football is a team sport so when the team underperforms, accountability shouldn’t stop at CR7,” one user wrote on X.
Several fans highlighted Fernandes’ tendency to recycle possession rather than take risks in advanced positions, particularly when Portugal were searching for a winner.
“How can an attacking midfielder pass the ball back when attack is in progress in the box? If you think Bruno Fernandes played good today then you are not a football fan,” another supporter posted.
FANS DIVIDED OVER BRUNO’S CONTRIBUTION
Not everyone agreed with the criticism directed at the Manchester United midfielder. Some supporters pointed to moments where Fernandes came close to creating goals, only for circumstances to deny him an assist.
“Blaming Bruno Fernandes about this game is funny. He almost got an assist when he gave a running pass to Mendes in the first half,” another fan argued.
Others referenced Joao Cancelo’s disallowed bicycle-kick finish, which came after a promising attacking move involving Fernandes but was eventually ruled out for offside.
The truth likely lies somewhere in between. Ronaldo’s inability to threaten goal remains a concern, particularly given his importance to Portugal’s hopes of progressing deep into the tournament. At the same time, elite strikers depend on service, and Portugal’s creative players failed to consistently provide it against a disciplined DR Congo side.
With Uzbekistan up next on June 23 and a potentially decisive clash against Colombia to follow on June 27, Portugal have little time to dwell on missed opportunities. If Roberto Martinez’s side are to fulfil their World Cup ambitions, they will need greater cohesion in attack — and that responsibility extends far beyond Ronaldo alone.
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