Cristiano Ronaldo fails to silence doubters after quiet showing for Portugal

Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw in Group K by a Congolese team appearing at their first World Cup finals in 52 years.

Ronaldo, aged 41, is playing in his sixth World Cup, a record he shares with Argentina's Lionel Messi, and had two opportunities to secure the win, both of which he fired wide from close range.

The frustration from Bruno Fernandes, who had positioned himself behind Ronaldo for the first of those chances, was obvious and long-lasting.

Ronaldo had the fewest touches of any Portugal player who featured for more than 45 minutes, with only 25.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez was not inclined to discuss Ronaldo's performance in detail during the post-match press conference, suggesting the forward was not given adequate support.

"We need to make use of all the players on the pitch. The lead attacker (Ronaldo) needs to be close to the six-yard box and we have to get the ball to him."

No point in substituting Ronaldo

When asked if he had considered replacing Ronaldo, Martinez said the forward's experience was crucial.

"It makes no sense to take off the best goalscorer in world football in a game where you need goals," he said.

"For us in moments like this, the experience of Cristiano in the box is important. The way he draws defenders is important, the way we can use the space is important."

"And every player has a responsibility or a quality on the pitch. Clearly, when you look for goals, you need to have Cristiano."

The debate over whether Ronaldo should start, come off the bench, or not play at all is not a new one.

His remarkable record of 143 goals in 229 caps, both of which are records in men's international football, places him among football's legends.

But Portugal are not short of talent in attacking areas.

They next face Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday, before taking on Colombia in a final Group K match in Miami on June 27th.