DR Congo midfielder reveals Ronaldo is no longer feared as Portugal stumble at World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo’s standing as an international force was laid bare by DR Congo midfielder Ngal Ayel Mukau, who revealed the African side had no specific plan to neutralise the 41-year-old during their 1-1 World Cup group-stage draw with Portugal. The admission underlines the growing scrutiny surrounding Ronaldo’s role in Roberto Martinez’s side after a laboured performance against a nation ranked 46th in the FIFA world rankings.

Ronaldo managed just 25 touches across the 90 minutes and three shots — all on target — but failed to influence the game in the way that once made him the focal point of any opposition’s defensive preparation. Mukau, who plays his club football for Lille, was candid about why Congo chose not to dedicate resources to stopping him.

“To be honest, not really [a plan] because we know he’s not the same as before, he’s a bit older now,” Mukau said. “But still he’s one of the greatest to ever play the game so much respect to him. When you get old, it’s not the same efforts you can make but still too much respect, he’s one of the greatest to play the game.”

The draw extended Ronaldo’s barren run in major tournaments to 10 consecutive World Cup and European Championship matches without a goal. Across that stretch he has registered 33 shots, only 11 of which were on target — a record that has intensified questions about whether Martinez should continue to build his attacking structure around the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Former France striker Thierry Henry was particularly pointed in his criticism, arguing that Ronaldo’s desire to score is actively harming Portugal’s chances of creating goals for teammates. “The team needs to score, it’s not you who needs to score,” Henry said. He illustrated his point with a specific passage of play in which Ronaldo ran into Bruno Fernandes’ path rather than making a decoy run that would have dragged a defender away and left Fernandes with a simple finish.

“If he went to that small area — he’s been in that situation before — the defender would have to follow him, and then it would be an easy goal for Bruno Fernandes,” Henry added. “But because he wants to score, he crosses the path of the back pass.”

Portugal now face Uzbekistan in their second group match, a game they must win to keep their knockout-stage hopes firmly in their own hands. Colombia lead the group after beating Uzbekistan 3-1, meaning Martinez’s side cannot afford another slip if they are to avoid relying on a best third-placed finish to advance.