Cristiano Ronaldo struggles as Portugal draws with DR Congo at World Cup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 12:30 AM
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
Portugal played to a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in their World Cup opener on June 17, 2026. Cristiano Ronaldo, expected to lead the team, was largely ineffective, contributing to a lack of scoring opportunities. Despite controlling possession, Portugal managed fewer shots on goal than DRC. Analyst Thierry Henry highlighted that Ronaldo's personal ambition appears to hinder team play, particularly criticizing his decision-making in crucial moments. Portugal aims to recover and improve in their upcoming matches as they remain one of the tournament favorites.
- •Portugal controlled 75% possession but had fewer shots than DRC.
- •Ronaldo struggled, spending much time isolated in the penalty area.
- •Thierry Henry criticized Ronaldo's impact on team dynamics.
- •Portugal is considered a top favorite despite the draw.
- 8:00 PMYahoo Sports — ’They Couldn’t Create’ — NFL Legend Defends Cristiano Ronaldo After Thierry Henry’s Concerning Comments On Portugal Star
- 12:30 AMYahoo Sports — Thierry Henry perfectly describes Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo dilemma
"The opening games of the 2026 World Cup have been all about the biggest stars in the world showing up on the biggest stage in the world, except for one notable disappointment — Cristiano Ronaldo. On Tuesday, Kylian Mbappe scored twice in France’s victory over Senegal. Erling Haaland also scored twice in Norway’s win against…
"The 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full swing, and the tournament’s biggest stars wasted no time making their mark. Lionel Messi scored a hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, while Kylian Mbappe bagged a brace in France’s 3-1 victory against Senegal, and Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway cruised past Iraq 4-1.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 18, 2026, 8:00 PM’They Couldn’t Create’ — NFL Legend Defends Cristiano Ronaldo After Thierry Henry’s Concerning Comments On Portugal Star
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full swing, and the tournament’s biggest stars wasted no time making their mark. Lionel Messi scored a hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, while Kylian Mbappe bagged a brace in France’s 3-1 victory against Senegal, and Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway cruised past Iraq 4-1.
- Yahoo SportsJun 18, 2026, 12:30 AMThierry Henry perfectly describes Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo dilemma
The opening games of the 2026 World Cup have been all about the biggest stars in the world showing up on the biggest stage in the world, except for one notable disappointment — Cristiano Ronaldo. On Tuesday, Kylian Mbappe scored twice in France’s victory over Senegal. Erling Haaland also scored twice in Norway’s win against…
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
Champions League•Sep 26, 2026, 1:00 AMFerran Torres names Bayern Munich as contender to win the Champions League
Champions League•Sep 26, 2026, 12:45 AMMbappé ruled out for France, but no serious injury 🇫🇷- Champions League•Sep 26, 2026, 12:07 AMSources: Man City refuse to deny guilty verdicts in PL 115 breaches case
Champions League•Sep 25, 2026, 10:19 PMMbappé to leave France camp after injury while scoring in Zidane's debut- Champions League•Sep 25, 2026, 6:00 PMYamal and Mbappé battle for European dribbling title
Champions League•Sep 25, 2026, 5:40 PMProbable Italy vs. Belgium line-ups and latest injury news
