Cristiano Ronaldo Sent Brutal Reminder After Listless World Cup Show: 'The Team Has To Score, Not You'

Last Updated:June 18, 2026, 08:20 IST

Cristiano Ronaldo struggled as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by Democratic Republic of Congo in their FIFA World Cup opener.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal didn’t have the start they were hoping for to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign. Democratic Republic of Congo, a team playing their first world cup match in over 50 years, held them to a 1-1 draw with Ronaldo facing the scrutiny for a listless show in Houston on Wednesday.

Portugal though stated on front foot with Joao Never putting them 1-0 ahead as early as the sixth minute. However, Yoane Wissa’s header cancelled out the opening goal, and a star-studded Portugal were unable to find the back of the net again in a disappointing display.

Ronaldo, who equaled Lionel Mess’s record of playing in six FIFA World Cup tournaments, had a game to forget as he muffed a couple of good chances to get his name on the scoresheet.

Twice the 41-year-old was handed a chance by teammate Francisco Conceicao in the space of a few minutes to score and on both the occasions, Ronaldo sent the ball wide.

French great Theirry Henry, without directly naming Ronaldo, stressed on the importance of what’s good for the team over individual milestones.

“One thing that’s important, people, please at home, the team needs to score. (It’s) Not you (that) needs to score," Henry said on Fox Sports. “Because Ronaldo wants to score, he goes in the path of the back pass, you see both players and it’s easier for you to defend. If he had gone to the six-yard box, Bruno Fernandes would have a tap in."

“And that’s my thing: The team needs to score. Not you," he added.

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Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience ...Read More

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