Stimac Defends Ronaldo Amid World Cup Criticism
Former Croatia international and current football analyst Igor Stimac has come out in strong defense of Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal's disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo in Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In an exclusive interview with DH, Stimac categorically stated that the Portuguese captain should not be held responsible for the result.
Portugal, widely seen as one of the tournament favorites, struggled to break down a determined DR Congo side, managing only a single goal from a set piece. Ronaldo, who played the full 90 minutes, was visibly frustrated and failed to find the back of the net, sparking criticism from some pundits and fans.
Team Performance, Not Individual Blame
Stimac emphasized that football is a collective sport and that singling out Ronaldo is unfair. "Cristiano Ronaldo is not at fault for the draw against DR Congo. It's a team game, and the whole team underperformed," Stimac said. "He works hard, creates chances, but if the midfield doesn't supply him or the defense makes errors, you cannot blame one player."
The draw leaves Portugal in a precarious position in Group H, with tough matches ahead against Ghana and Uruguay. Stimac noted that the team's tactical approach was flawed and that the manager must take responsibility for the setup.
Ronaldo's Legacy Under Scrutiny
At 41, Ronaldo is playing in what is likely his final World Cup. The pressure on him to deliver has been immense, but Stimac argues that his legacy should not be defined by one poor team result. "He has done so much for Portuguese football. People forget that he scored crucial goals in qualifying. This is a temporary setback," Stimac added.
Statistics from the match show that Portugal had 68% possession and 15 shots, but only 4 on target, highlighting a lack of clinical finishing across the squad. DR Congo, ranked 67th in the world, defended resolutely and capitalized on a rare Portuguese defensive lapse to equalize.
Looking Ahead
Portugal's next fixture is against Ghana on June 25. Stimac believes that with tactical adjustments and better team cohesion, Portugal can still advance. "They have quality players like Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes. If they play as a unit, they will win. Ronaldo will play his part," he concluded.
