Ronaldo to start for Portugal vs Uzbekistan amid World Cup criticism

The pressure is mounting on Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal as they prepare to face World Cup debutants Uzbekistan in Houston, with the 41-year-old superstar expected to retain his starting spot despite a wave of criticism following a lackluster 1-1 draw against DR Congo. According to The Independent, Ronaldo "looks set to keep his starting spot" for the Group K clash, even as head coach Roberto Martínez refused to publicly confirm the lineup. The match represents a critical juncture for a Portuguese side tipped to go deep in the tournament, while Uzbekistan, managed by 2006 World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, aim to bounce back from an opening 3-1 defeat to Colombia and cause a major upset.

Ronaldo Under Fire After Congo Stalemate

Ronaldo's performance in the opener drew sharp criticism from television pundits and social media users alike. The Associated Press reported that the forward "failed to score" and "missed on a couple of good scoring chances in the second half," leading many to question why Martínez did not substitute him as the team struggled offensively. The scrutiny has been amplified by Ronaldo's age and his pursuit of a historic milestone: becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups. He currently shares the record for most tournaments scored in with Lionel Messi, who has already netted five goals in two matches this year to extend his overall tally to 18 across five World Cups.

Ronaldo did not speak to reporters after the Congo match but took to social media to address the setback. In a post cited by the AP, he wrote: "It wasn't the start we wanted, but this is far from over. Head up and focus on the next game." A subsequent training-ground post declared he was "focused on the mission." These messages signal his determination to silence doubters, but the on-field reality is that Portugal's attack looked disjointed, and the reliance on their aging icon is increasingly under the microscope.

Martínez Keeps Cards Close to His Chest

Despite widespread reports that Ronaldo will start, Martínez remained evasive when asked directly about his team selection. "I can't inform you about the starting 11 because I haven't informed my players," he said, according to the AP. The coach acknowledged the external noise but insisted it does not affect the squad. "We are playing a World Cup so of course we have a lot of noise and tension, but it's part of the game," he said. "The focus is on the team and we want to show a positive attitude … to be ready for the match. We are very much focused. We are strong. The team is even more united than before."

Martínez also pushed back against the criticism, calling some of it "unfair, it's unjust," though he did not specifically name Ronaldo. His refusal to guarantee Ronaldo's place could be a tactical smokescreen or a genuine reflection of internal debate. The Independent noted that Portugal need to "find the fluency they lacked in their last outing – and get the best out of a dynamic group of creative midfield talents." Whether that means building the attack around Ronaldo or giving more freedom to the midfield creators remains the central question.

Uzbekistan: Debutants with a Point to Prove

Uzbekistan enter the match as heavy underdogs but with nothing to lose. The Independent highlighted that they are "tournament debutants" and showed "resilience in their opening fixture against Colombia, though eventually slipped to a 3-1 defeat." Their coach, Fabio Cannavaro, knows what it takes to win on the biggest stage, having captained Italy to glory in 2006. His experience could be vital in organizing a disciplined defensive performance designed to frustrate Portugal.

For Uzbekistan, the match is an opportunity to gain respect and potentially snatch a result that would reverberate around the tournament. A second consecutive loss would all but end their hopes of advancing from Group K, so expect a compact, counter-attacking approach aimed at exploiting any Portuguese uncertainty.

The Bigger Picture

Portugal's campaign is at an early crossroads. A win against Uzbekistan would steady the ship and ease the immediate pressure on both Ronaldo and Martínez, but anything less would invite a full-blown crisis. The draw with Congo has already left them playing catch-up in a group where Colombia have set the early pace. Failure to secure three points could leave Portugal needing a result against Colombia in their final group match, a scenario that would test the squad's mental fortitude.

Ronaldo's individual quest for the six-tournament scoring record adds another layer of narrative. If he fails to find the net again, calls for a changing of the guard will intensify, and Martínez may be forced to reconsider his attacking setup. The creative midfield talents that The Independent alluded to—players capable of unlocking stubborn defenses—must step up regardless of who leads the line. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, will view this as a historic chance to claim a first World Cup point or even a victory against a global football powerhouse. The outcome in Houston will shape the trajectory of both teams' tournaments and could define the final chapter of Ronaldo's international career.