Wow,this 2026 World Cup is really showing huge contrast between the big stars ah. On one side you have players just smashing records,and on other side,big legends are struggling badly.
Just look at what happened on Tuesday. Kylian Mbappe scored two goals against Senegal,making him France's all-time top scorer. Then Erling Haaland on his debut for Norway got two goals against Iraq. And of course,Messi scored a whole hat-trick against Algeria,which puts him equal with Miroslav Klose for most goals in World Cup finals history.
And then there is Cristiano Ronaldo .
His situation was completely different in Portugal's 1-1 draw with DR Congo. He just couldn't make any impact,and this was the match where he could have become first player to score in six World Cups. Instead,he was just struggling to convert any chances.
And honestly,that's where it gets uncomfortable to watch. Reports say he even blocked a crucial pass that was meant for Bruno Fernandes,which could have been a winning goal . You could see the frustration on his face,and people are saying this is now nine-match goal drought for him at major tournaments.
Thierry Henry's comment on it was very direct only . He said, "The team needs to score, not you," which really points to the whole problem of individual focus over team performance.
Few things standing out from that Portugal match:
- At 41 years and 132 days,Ronaldo became oldest outfield player to start World Cup match .
- Critics are questioning coach Roberto Martinez's choice to keep him playing for whole game.
- Team had 75% possession but managed only seven attempts at goal,which is not good.
And tbh,that possession stat says everything. It shows they couldn't turn control into actual goals. Analysts like Wayne Rooney and Gael Clichy also pointed out that Ronaldo's huge stardom might be affecting younger players,making them hesitate or make different decisions on field .
It's just very strange situation rn . The team has so much talent,but something is not clicking.
With all this pressure building up,and with rivals like Messi and Mbappe doing so well,you have to wonder what's going on in his head. His whole legacy is being discussed now,not just his performance in one match…
