Portugal teammate comes to Cristiano’s defence

Cristiano Ronaldo is used to scoring goals. Despite being nearly 40-years-old, the Portuguese forward continues to know exactly where to put the ball to make it go into the back of the net. But on the occasion that he doesn’t, that he misses or doesn’t see the chance, the criticism pelts down like caffeinated hailstones.

A video of Ronaldo missing a chance immediately goes viral: "he’s too old; he complains too much; he makes his teammates worse; others should play instead of him" read the comments.

When asked about the thunder and lightning surrounding the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Rúben Dias said that it was "not an issue for us," adding that it was “insignificant, just a bit of fuss and noise,” which is “all part of the game.”

“First and foremost, the criticism isn’t directed at just one player,” the defender said, assuring reporters that “Cristiano is a major focus of attention, but I think we’re all in the firing line."

“Above all, apart from what I’ve just said, I don’t think anything out of the ordinary is happening. It’s always been like this since I’ve been here. I believe it will continue to be so in the future and, as such, it’s nothing new. In the end it’s noise. We isolate ourselves from it and focus on doing our thing.”

Portugal to “embrace” CR7 criticism

“For all of us, it’s not an issue,” he was at pains to emphasise. “We’re all united in the realisation that difficulties are a good thing and that it’s through difficulties that we’ll see what we’re made of.

“We embrace it as an opportunity to create something positive. My mind doesn’t wander in that direction. I don’t pay attention when it’s thrown at us. I believe none of us attach any importance to it. It shouldn’t even be an issue.”

Portugal are to yet play Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K; their most recent result, a 1-1 draw against DR Congo to open their account at the 2026 World Cup, put them 3rd in the standings.

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