“Ronaldo's physical and mental condition is not an issue”

Briefly silenced the critics means that after scoring two goals, Cristiano Ronaldo temporarily quieted those questioning him. However, the silence didn't last long because he then failed to score again, and the criticism immediately returned. For a brief moment, after scoring twice, he managed to silence almost everyone. But Cristiano Ronaldo was never going to get the critics off his back so easily, especially since those two goals came against Uzbekistan rather than a footballing heavyweight. Another match without finding the net, and the old debate was back again. Once more, it was Cristiano Ronaldo versus Lionel Messi.

With Argentina already through to the knockout stage, Lionel Scaloni opted not to start Lionel Messi against Jordan, pairing Lautaro Martínez with Julian Alvarez instead. But he introduced his captain in the second half — and Messi scored. Fortunately for Roberto Martínez, that game kicked off later, otherwise he would probably have faced even more questions. As it was, he was asked just one, concerning the two greatest footballers of this century: had he considered giving Cristiano Ronaldo a rest? The Portugal captain has played every single minute of the World Cup so far despite being 41 years old.

"Cristiano Ronaldo's physical and mental condition is not an issue. I don't compare players. During matches I monitor every piece of information available, and then, of course, we analyze everything again in training. Different positions require different approaches. Cristiano knows how to be in the right place at the right time, he's disciplined, and he creates space for his teammates. I'll say it again — there are no physical or mental concerns" Roberto Martínez explained.

Don't provoke CR7: "Yesterday Lionel Messi scored two goals..." - Next question!

Portugal's coach saw no reason to substitute him against Colombia, a match his team needed to win to finish top of the group. Instead, the game ended goalless, leaving Portugal with a brutal path through the knockout stage — Croatia await in the Round of 32, with a potential last-16 clash against Spain. That could change for the first knockout match.

"Maybe I'll need to make some changes for the next game. Maybe. There are players who aren't at 100 percent. I'll monitor the situation and make my decisions based on the information I receive" he said.

Ronaldo’s fans turn on Portugal players

Their next match, the first in the knockout stage, will take place on the anniversary of Diogo Jota's passing.

"It will be difficult. Diogo is often on my mind. I wouldn't say it's difficult because of the date itself, but we have to win for him. We started this journey with him, we won the Nations League with him... Moments like these are always hard, but we're a very strong team. We rely on the faith and determination that he always had. That spirit is still with us" Martínez concluded.