Portugal coach Roberto Martinez passionately defends Cristiano Ronaldo after costly draw to Colombia

Cristiano Ronaldo’s disappointing 90-minute stint against Colombia ensured the 41-year-old was among the few Portugal players not to be rotated through the group stage.

Renato Veiga, Bruno Fernandes, and Ronaldo are the only three Portuguese players to play all 270 minutes in the World Cup so far.

Ronaldo’s on-field output has trailed far behind his two compatriots, and national team manager Roberto Martinez has had to defend his decision not to rotate Ronaldo even once this tournament.

Roberto Martinez backs Cristiano Ronaldo despite poor form

After Ronaldo’s anonymous performance in the 0-0 group stage draw to Colombia, which cost Portugal an easier path to the Final, Martinez explained why he hasn’t seen a reason to substitute Ronaldo so far.

“Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. It’s just a question of mentally being strong and always being disciplined in his position, and opening space for our attacking patterns. There isn’t an issue mentally or physically for Cristiano in today’s game to play 90 minutes. In the next game? We might make a change, but that’s like any other player.”

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez passionately defends

Outside of a brace against Uzbekistan in a 5-0 thrashing, Ronaldo has looked out of sorts in games against DR Congo and now Colombia.

It’s too late for Portugal to change their style of play by removing Ronaldo from the equation, so Martinez is trying to back his star forward until he delivers.

With the tournament in the knockout stages now, there’s no more room for error for the national team or their misfiring legend at striker.

Portugal hasn’t looked great with Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup

Against DR Congo, Ronaldo had two off-target shots in the entire game with zero chances created. His lack of off-ball movement created stagnation up top, which was hard to overcome against a physical DRC defense.

CR7’s performance against Colombia was even worse. He registered only one off-target shot with zero dribbles, duels, or chances created. He lost the ball eight times and was completely ineffective in the clash.

His lack of off-ball movement is allowing teams to essentially cut him out of the offense, greatly increasing the pressure on the star midfield of Neves, Vitinhia, and Fernandes to create opportunities in tough circumstances.

Even when the opportunities come, Ronaldo simply isn’t as clinical as he was in his prime. But all it takes is one game for him to find his form, and his fans will be praying it’s against Croatia in the Round of 32.

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