Former Republic of Ireland striker Tony Cascarino has expressed strong criticism of Portugal manager Roberto Martinez for not substituting Cristiano Ronaldo during their opening World Cup 2026 match against DR Congo. The game ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw, with Ronaldo failing to make any notable contribution over the full 90 minutes.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Cascarino argued that the 41-year-old forward showed clear signs of decline, lacking both pace and energy. He noted that Ronaldo was once known for his explosive dribbling and direct runs at defenders, but that version of the player is now a distant memory. Cascarino stated that Ronaldo offered nothing to the team and questioned Martinez’s decision to keep him on the pitch.
According to Cascarino, the manager’s loyalty to the star player may be clouding his judgment, especially given that Martinez is set to leave his role after the tournament. He suggested that Martinez appeared more concerned with maintaining a friendship with Ronaldo than making tactical decisions that would give Portugal the best chance of winning. Cascarino emphasized that a manager must be willing to make tough calls, including substituting iconic players, if it improves the team’s performance.
Portugal entered the tournament as one of the favorites, but their lackluster start has raised questions about the team’s form and Ronaldo’s role in the squad. Many fans and pundits expected more from the Selecao, especially after Ronaldo failed to influence the game against a determined DR Congo side.