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Lifestyle (https://www.the-independent.com/bulletin/lifestyle) Cristiano Ronaldo backed to shine at World Cup after heavy Portugal criticism • Copy link Bookmark popover Removed from bookmarks Close popover Video 2 (https://video.primis.tech/uploads/cn1/video/users/hls/31354/video_691c61a43f372727529437/vid6a398760d65b5883416559.mp4/chunklist_1280.m3u8) Powered By 10 Sec 18.4K 1 What Lionel Messi means to Argentina fans as the footballing icon makes World Cup history Next video in Share Next KEEP WATCHING Discovering what Lionel Messi means to Argentina fans as the footballing icon makes World Cup history • Portugal's national football team faced significant criticism (https://www.the-independent.com/sport/football/cristiano-ronaldo-world-cup-portugal-goals-messi-b2997886.html) following their disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their World Cup opening match in Houston. • Coach Roberto Martinez was particularly scrutinised for not substituting superstar Cristiano Ronaldo (https://www.the-independent.com/sport/football/lionel-messi-argentina-world-cup-2026-cristiano-ronaldo-b3000829.html), who had a poor performance with only 25 touches and two wide shots in the second half. • Martinez defended his team and players, describing the criticism as “unfair and unjust” and emphasising the squad's unity and focus for upcoming matches. • Ronaldo, who did not speak to reporters, posted on social media about focusing on the “next game” and being “focused on the mission” after the draw. • Despite Ronaldo's struggles, Martinez expressed continued confidence in his ability to create opportunities, citing his past performance and movement in the final third. In full • ### Portugal coach Roberto Martinez defends team and Cristiano Ronaldo from ‘unfair and unjust’ criticism (https://www.the-independent.com/sport/football/cristiano-ronaldo-martinez-portugal-world-cup-b3001216.html) by Taboola (https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&utm_source=eslmedia-theindependent&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=thumbs-feed-bulletin-1x1:Bulletin%20Article%20Feed%20|%20Card%201:)by Taboola (https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&utm_source=eslmedia-theindependent&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=thumbs-feed-bulletin-1x1:Bulletin%20Article%20Feed%20|%20Card%201:) https://in.blissy.com/skinhair-taboolaStudy Shows Surprising Link Between Aging & your Pillowcase Blissy | [Sponsored (https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&utm_source=eslmedia-theindependent&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=thumbs-feed-bulletin-1x1:Bulletin%20Article%20Feed%20|%20Card%201:)Sponsored (https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&utm_source=eslmedia-theindependent&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=thumbs-feed-bulletin-1x1:Bulletin%20Article%20Feed%20|%20Card%201:) Learn More](https://in.blissy.com/skinhair-taboola "Study Shows Surprising Link Between Aging & your Pillowcase") Undo https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/lincoln-memorial-pool-vandalism-david-hearn-scenedesmus-b3001279.htmlSix arrests, a green pool and a political firestorm at the Lincoln Memorial (https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/lincoln-memorial-pool-vandalism-david-hearn-scenedesmus-b3001279.html) Undo https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/sport/rade-bogdanovic-2026-world-cup-racism-ngoy-b3001288.htmlWorld Cup pundit at centre of racism storm issues apology (https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/sport/rade-bogdanovic-2026-world-cup-racism-ngoy-b3001288.html) Undo https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/sport/how-to-watch-the-england-game-today-ghana-world-cup-b3001181.htmlHow to watch England vs Ghana – and what time is the game? 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