Read 3 minutesUpdated: June 20, 2026 03:24 PM IST
Cristiano Ronaldo had something to say to the press during Portugal’s training session at Palm Beach Gardens on Friday. He didn’t just use words.
During the first hydration break in training, the captain turned to the media stands and motioned for them to go with a hand and arm, according to Portuguese reports. The open period had reached the time limit. The message was clear enough.
It was a short moment. But small moments accumulate when a team just drew 1-1 with DR Congo and their captain goes 90 minutes without a shot on target.
The front page of A Bola on Friday didn’t need much elaboration. “Capitão under fire.” Captain Under Fire. CR7 was criticized from all directions, the paper said, but the team was not spared either. History warns Martinez that change is necessary to win.
It was Ronaldo’s fifth consecutive World Cup match without a goal. CNN Portugal argued that he should no longer be automatic first choice, citing his significantly reduced ability to press and pressure opposition defences.
A Bola also took Kevin-Prince Boateng’s suggestion that Ronaldo should give up his place in the starting eleven altogether and only use him in the final minutes.
International journalists were still tough. The Independent called him “ten men and a statue” and wrote that Portugal had “sacrificed another World Cup for Cristiano Ronaldo’s ego” and that he lacked the pace to attack space in behind defenders and the movement to avoid marking. The Telegraph drew a comparison that no one in the Portugal camp wanted: “After Lionel Messi showed why he remains in the Argentina team, Portugal were reminded why Cristiano Ronaldo probably shouldn’t be in their squad.”
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In training, behind the closed session, there was at least one piece of good news. Ruben Dias, who missed the opener due to injury, trained fully integrated and without limitations and could make his World Cup debut against Uzbekistan on Tuesday. Of concern is Tomás Araujo, who started in his place against DR Congo. The Benfica defender worked separately from the group and did recovery work in just 15-minute open sessions, in 32-degree heat.
Portugal is third in Group K with one point. Colombia lead by three runs. Uzbekistan are zero in their first World Cup.