After a disappointing Game 1 draw against DR Congo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal bounced back for a 5-0 rout of Uzbekistan Tuesday to take charge of Group K at the World Cup.
Ronaldo failed to put a shot on goal against DR Congo, but then led Portugal with two goals in Tuesday’s win over Uzbekistan. The lackluster effort from Game 1 prompted criticism and questions about whether 41-year-old Ronaldo should still play such a prominent role in Portugal’s offense.
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After answering on the field Tuesday, Ronaldo shared his thoughts on the matter in his postgame news conference.
“I can say it was a very tough week, a difficult week,” Ronaldo said of the response to his play in Portugal’s Game 1 draw. “A week where the public criticism was very harsh on us, all the players and especially on me and the coach. But that’s how it is.
“No, it doesn’t bother me, because, as you know I’ve been a professional for 23 years. Whenever things are going well, Cristiano is great. When they’re not, he’s finished and too old. It will always be that way.”
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Ronaldo shuts down question about Messi
Ronaldo is playing in his sixth World Cup and is widely regarded on the short list of best players of not only his generation, but of all time. But in the eyes of most, his contemporary rival Lionel Messi has surpassed him on both fronts.
Messi led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and has five goals in two games in Argentina’s quest to repeat. He’s also the all-time leading goal scorer in World Cup play.
Ronaldo was asked about Messi during his news conference. He wanted no part of it. The Portugal striker immediately moved on to the next question once Messi’s name came up.
“Go ahead,” Ronaldo said after turning his head, inviting a question from another reporter as soon as Messi’s name was uttered.
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Portugal and Argentina are in different groups. Argentina has clinched the top of Group J. With Portugal’s win Tuesday, it has four points at the top of Group K. But its place in the knockout round won’t be determined until its group play finale against Colombia on Saturday.
As things stand, Portugal and Argentina are on track for a potential clash in the quarterfinals on July 12. Portugal would need to win Group K, and both teams would have to win two knockout-round games to get there.
If they do, the entire world will be watching.
