Portugal laboured to a 1-1 draw with DR Congo on June 17, disappointing for a team expected to win. Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41 years and 132 days the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match, struggled to make an impact and missed his side's best chance for a winner in the second half when he blocked a cut-back intended for Bruno Fernandes.
Thierry Henry criticized Ronaldo's approach on commentary, saying: "The team needs to score, not you." The former France striker pointed out that Ronaldo's movement into the pass negated Fernandes' better positioning near the penalty spot. The miss extended Ronaldo's goal drought to nine matches at major tournaments.
BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Chris Sutton also critiqued manager Roberto Martinez's decision to leave Ronaldo on the field for the full 90 minutes. Sutton called the choice "embarrassing" and said Martinez "is scared to take him off," noting that "the game has passed him by" when Goncalo Ramos finally replaced midfielder Vitinha in the 83rd minute.
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