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Roberto Martinez claims Cristiano Ronaldo has 'reacted as a captain' to World Cup criticism & insists 'numbers support' Portugal icon staying in starting XI

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has backed Cristiano Ronaldo after the captain played all 270 minutes of the group stage. Portugal finished second in Group K following a 0-0 draw with Colombia. The team now prepares for a Round of 32 match against Croatia.

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What changed

Portugal has completed the group stage and is moving into the knockout round against Croatia.

Live updates

  1. Martinez defends Ronaldo's playing time ahead of Croatia knockout match

    Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has backed Cristiano Ronaldo after the captain played all 270 minutes of the group stage. Portugal finished second in Group K following a 0-0 draw with Colombia. The team now prepares for a Round of 32 match against Croatia.

    What's confirmed:

    • Cristiano Ronaldo played all 270 minutes of Portugal's World Cup campaign.
    • Portugal drew 0-0 with Colombia in Group K.
    • Portugal finished second in Group K.
    • Portugal will face Croatia in the Round of 32.
    • Renato Veiga, Bruno Fernandes, and Cristiano Ronaldo are the only three players to play all 270 minutes for Portugal.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Chris Sutton claims Martinez is pandering to Ronaldo and holding the squad back.
    • Martinez may make changes to the lineup for the match against Croatia.
    • Martinez has remained tight-lipped on whether Ronaldo will start the knockout game.
    confidence 100%

  2. Ronaldo Scores Twice in 5-0 World Cup Win Over Uzbekistan

    Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals as Portugal defeated Uzbekistan 5-0. Manager Roberto Martinez praised the 41-year-old striker as an exemplary leader. This victory follows heavy criticism of Ronaldo after a 1-1 draw with DR Congo.

    What's confirmed:

    • Portugal defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 at the World Cup.
    • Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals against Uzbekistan.
    • Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo in their opening match.
    • Roberto Martinez described Ronaldo as an exemplary leader following the Uzbekistan match.
    • Roberto Martinez stated that numbers support Ronaldo staying in the starting XI.
    • Ronaldo has extended his goalless major tournament run to 10 games after the DR Congo performance.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Midfielder Joao Neves remarked that Ronaldo was just another player.
    • The Portugal squad carries a feeling of frustration.
    confidence 100%