Owen defends Ronaldo after Portugal's World Cup stumble and predicts hat-trick against Uzbekistan

Michael Owen has defended Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their 2026 World Cup Group K opener last Wednesday, insisting the 41-year-old is being made an unfair target for the team’s underwhelming display.

Joao Neves gave Portugal the lead before Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa equalised before half-time. Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes without scoring, and the timing proved awkward: Lionel Messi had scored a hat-trick for Argentina in a 3-0 win over Algeria just 24 hours earlier, instantly sharpening the contrast between the two rivals.

“It did not help Cristiano Ronaldo that Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick the night before Portugal played, but I’m not having the criticism of him,” Owen told the Daily Mail. “Portugal weren’t great in their 1-1 draw with DR Congo and a lot of the fallout has been around Ronaldo and him being a problem for them.”

Owen argued that Ronaldo’s role has always been to arrive for the decisive moments rather than dominate possession, and that Portugal’s coaching staff must set the team up accordingly. “If you’re picking Ronaldo then you have to accept what he is there for,” he said. “And I wouldn’t be surprised if he responds with a hat-trick of his own against Uzbekistan.”

The former England striker also pushed back on the broader narrative surrounding the Al Nassr forward’s age. “Hasn’t he always played like this, to a degree? He has never been a player, especially in recent years, who involves himself in the game. He will be there for the big moments, though. If he’s not scoring, it’s too easy to blame Ronaldo. At 41, he is going to be questioned.”

Ronaldo himself addressed Portugal supporters on Instagram after the draw. “Not the start we wanted, but this is far from over,” he wrote. “Head up and focus on the next game.”

Portugal face Uzbekistan on Tuesday before rounding off their Group K campaign against Colombia on Saturday.