World Cup: Will Ronaldo be on the bench against Uzbekistan? The coach of Portugal keeps the starting eleven under wraps

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the World Cup Group K match against Congo. (AP photo) Portugal coach Roberto Martínez refused to confirm whether Cristiano Ronaldo would keep his starting place for Tuesday’s World Cup match against Uzbekistan after the superstar’s subdued performance in the team’s opening game.“I can’t inform you about the starting XI because I haven’t informed my players,” Martínez said on Monday when asked if Ronaldo would remain in the squad.The 41-year-old forward failed to find the net in Portugal’s 1-1 draw with Congo, a game in which he had limited influence and missed several key chances in the second half. His performance quickly became the talk of the town, with TV pundits and social media users questioning his completion and why he was not substituted as Portugal looked for a breakthrough.

Martínez defends team amid ‘noise and tension’

However, Martínez dismissed suggestions that outside criticism was affecting the team, insisting that such pressure is part of the World Cup environment.“We’re playing the World Cup, so of course we have a lot of noise and tension, but it’s part of the game,” he said. “We are focused on the team and we want to show a positive attitude … to be ready for the game. We are very focused. We are strong. The team is even more united than before.”Although the Portugal coach did not address Ronaldo directly, he also pushed back against the intensity of criticism aimed at individuals.“Some of the criticism is ‘unfair, it’s unfair,'” he added.Ronaldo, who did not speak to reporters after the match, later wrote on social media: “It wasn’t the start we wanted, but this is far from over. Keep your head up and focus on the next game.” He followed it up with pictures from the training accompanied by the caption: “Focused on the mission”.

Ronaldo’s role under scrutiny ahead of crucial clash

Despite registering just 25 touches in the opening game, Ronaldo remains central to Portugal’s tactical discussion. Martínez insisted the veteran forward still brings decisive value in the final third.“Cristiano is the best to do it,” he said. “The numbers confirm that with this iconic player that is Cristiano Ronaldo. If you look at the last 32 games, he is a player who has that extra movement, opening up spaces and finding pockets.”Meanwhile, Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro warned against underestimating the Portugal captain despite his quiet start.“We have to be careful when we’re in the box because we can’t leave that type of player alone,” Cannavaro said. “We have to focus a lot on him because Cristiano can score in every situation, from free kicks, even in the corner. So we have to be very careful.”