Portugal's Conceicao addresses Ronaldo criticism ahead of Uzbekistan match
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 3:39 AM
Last updated Jun 22, 2026
Ahead of Portugal's Group K match against Uzbekistan on June 23, Francisco Conceicao defended Cristiano Ronaldo. After Portugal's 1-1 draw with Congo DR on June 17, concerns grew about Ronaldo's performance. Conceicao stated that players should not feel obligated to pass the ball specifically to Ronaldo, emphasizing teamwork and individual instinct in decision-making.
- •Portugal drew 1-1 with Congo DR on June 17
- •Ronaldo is playing in his sixth World Cup at age 41
- •Conceicao urges teammates to focus on team play
- •Next match for Portugal is against Uzbekistan on June 23
- 3:39 AMYahoo Sports — Portugal's Francisco Conceicao shuts down Cristiano Ronaldo narrative
"Nobody at the 2026 FIFA men's World Cup is more eager to put a performance behind them than Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal.
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