Ronaldo & Co. under ultimate pressure: Overcoming debutants for redemption

When it comes to the biggest positive surprises of this World Cup, everyone points to Norway, Japan, and hosts the United States. But who has disappointed the most? Without a doubt, it is Portugal — a team many considered one of the leading contenders to lift the trophy. A mere point from a 1-1 draw against DR Congo has set off alarm bells in the camp of Spanish coach Roberto Martinez.

While his great rival of nearly two decades, Lionel Messi, continues to shine with five goals in two matches, Cristiano Ronaldo has become the target of fierce criticism. He was virtually invisible against DR Congo, reigniting the debate over whether Portugal might actually be a better team without him, or whether he disrupts the balance of a squad that arguably possesses the best midfield in world football.

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The draw against DR Congo unleashed a wave of criticism toward the Al Nassr star. Both official and unofficial voices have aimed their fire at one of the greatest footballers of all time. Martinez himself has also come under scrutiny. Of course, the result is not disastrous — Portugal still controls its own destiny.

Ronaldo now has the opportunity to silence his doubters and help Portugal secure their first World Cup victory when they face Uzbekistan today at 8.00 PM in Houston. It appears there is little doubt that he will once again lead the Portuguese attack.

"Ronaldo is an example; he is our captain. He acts like a captain, bringing a wealth of experience that we can all benefit from. This is his sixth World Cup and, throughout his entire career, we are talking about someone who has represented and defended the national team for 21 seasons. He has an incredible desire to keep improving and helping the team, and he is a role model in the dressing room," Martinez said.

Portugal have had several days to reflect on a disappointing Group K opener and consider how to get their campaign back on track.

The midfield trio of Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Bruno Fernandes remains among the tournament's finest, and Portuguese supporters are hoping the performance against DR Congo was simply an off day. Tactical adjustments, such as giving the energetic Francisco Conceicao a starting role on the wing, could add greater dynamism to the attack. However, if Ronaldo continues to start, Portugal may need to find ways to play around him rather than through him.

Ultimately, anything less than a victory would be considered a major upset. Manchester City's Ruben Dias is available again after recovering from the injury that kept him out of Portugal's opener and is expected to bring additional experience to the back line ahead of Tomas Araujo.

Conceicao could also be one of the new faces in the starting lineup after making a positive impact from the bench in the previous match. The remainder of the team is expected to stay largely unchanged, which means Goncalo Ramos may once again have to settle for a place among the substitutes as Ronaldo retains his spot.

Uzbekistan, meanwhile, will sense an opportunity. The World Cup debutants were comfortably beaten by Colombia, but they may look to follow DR Congo's blueprint against a Portuguese side that is still searching for its best form.

WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE (ROUND 2)

Group K

Tuesday 23.06

20.00: (1.22) Portugal (6.50) Uzbekistan (13.0)

Wednesday 24.06.

05.00: (1.50) Colombia (3.90) DR Congo (7.75)

***odds are subject to change***