Portugal coach remains silent on Ronaldo's starting status for World Cup match
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 2:24 AM
Last updated Jun 23, 2026
Portugal’s coach Roberto Martínez did not reveal whether Cristiano Ronaldo would start in the upcoming World Cup match against Uzbekistan following a lackluster performance in a 1-1 draw with Congo. Ronaldo, 41, failed to score and faced criticism for missing scoring opportunities. Martínez emphasized the need for focus and unity before the match while stating some criticism aimed at the team is unfair. Ronaldo's attempt to score in his sixth World Cup continues as he aims to become the first player to score in six tournaments. Uzbekistan's coach Fabio Cannavaro noted the importance of remaining vigilant against Ronaldo's scoring potential.
- •Portugal draws 1-1 with Congo in their World Cup opener.
- •Martínez declined to confirm Ronaldo's status for the next match.
- •Ronaldo aims to score in his sixth World Cup appearance.
- •Cannavaro warns of Ronaldo's threat from various scoring situations.
- •Match against Uzbekistan is scheduled for Tuesday.
- 3:56 AMYahoo Sports — Martínez doesn't say whether Ronaldo will start Uzbekistan match
- 2:24 AMYahoo Sports — Portugal coach stays mum on Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential start after lackluster World Cup opener
"Portugal coach Roberto Martínez wouldn’t say if Cristiano Ronaldo would start Tuesday’s World Cup match against Uzbekistan after the superstar's forgettable performance in the team’s opener. “I can’t inform you about the starting 11 because I haven’t informed my players,” Martínez said Monday when asked if Ronaldo would remain in the lineup. The 41-year-old Ronaldo failed to score in Portugal’s 1-1 draw with Congo.
"Portugal coach Roberto Martínez was evasive when asked whether superstar Cristiano Ronaldo would be in the starting line-up for the second World Cup group stage match against Uzbekistan on Tuesday. "I can't comment on the starting line-up yet because I haven't told my players," Martínez said in a news conference on Monday.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 23, 2026, 3:56 AMMartínez doesn't say whether Ronaldo will start Uzbekistan match
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez was evasive when asked whether superstar Cristiano Ronaldo would be in the starting line-up for the second World Cup group stage match against Uzbekistan on Tuesday. "I can't comment on the starting line-up yet because I haven't told my players," Martínez said in a news conference on Monday.
- Yahoo SportsJun 23, 2026, 2:24 AMPortugal coach stays mum on Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential start after lackluster World Cup opener
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez wouldn’t say if Cristiano Ronaldo would start Tuesday’s World Cup match against Uzbekistan after the superstar's forgettable performance in the team’s opener. “I can’t inform you about the starting 11 because I haven’t informed my players,” Martínez said Monday when asked if Ronaldo would remain in the lineup. The 41-year-old Ronaldo failed to score in Portugal’s 1-1 draw with Congo.
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