Martinez stands firm on Ronaldo as Portugal seek redemption against Uzbekistan

Roberto Martinez will keep faith with Cristiano Ronaldo when Portugal face Uzbekistan in Houston, refusing to yield to widespread calls to hand the captain’s role — and starting berth — to Goncalo Ramos.

The decision comes after a turbulent week inside the Portugal camp, triggered by Ronaldo’s subdued display in the opening 0-0 draw with DR Congo. The result landed hours after Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick for defending champions Argentina, sharpening the contrast and intensifying scrutiny on the 40-year-old.

Martinez, along with defenders Ruben Dias and Francisco Conceicao, has moved to publicly contain the fallout, playing down suggestions of a dressing-room crisis. Portugal’s leading sports newspaper, Record, mounted a staunch defence of Ronaldo while criticising those calling for his removal.

The situation was complicated further when Ronaldo left the pitch at Houston Stadium without acknowledging supporters, while his team-mates stayed to applaud the fans. His sister Katia Aveiro then posted a pointed response to online criticism of her brother, also liking a social media post that accused Bruno Fernandes of underperforming for the national team — a move that stoked rumours of a rift between players.

Fans, too, appeared split. Some blamed Ronaldo directly for the poor result and suggested team-mates felt obliged to force passes his way; others argued Portugal were not doing enough to involve him.

Former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas, now president of Porto, urged perspective. “Ambitions are still boundless, because it’s a golden generation,” he said. “We also want the greatest talent in world football — the man who has given so much to Portugal — to leave clutching the World Cup trophy, just like Messi did in Qatar.”

Dias pushed back on the Portuguese media’s framing of a squad beach visit as evidence of a lack of focus, insisting the group remained united and professional.

With Portugal returning to Houston for the Uzbekistan fixture, Ronaldo faces another immediate opportunity to silence his critics — and Martinez has made clear he will be given it.