Following a disappointing 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo in their opening match of Group K at the 2026 World Cup , the Portuguese national team has put itself in a difficult position. Their clash with Uzbekistan at the NRG Stadium (Houston, USA) will determine the chances of the Euro 2016 champions progressing further in the tournament.
Great attack, but a bad finish.
With a squad of quality players spread across all three lines and a team value among the highest in the tournament, Portugal is considered superior to Uzbekistan. However, modern football is no longer a game of flashy names. If they continue to display the same lackluster performance as in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup, Roberto Martinez's team could pay a heavy price.
Looking at the statistics from the draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Portugal was by no means inferior. They dominated possession, created numerous dangerous opportunities, and constantly pressured the opponent's half. However, all that fans of the Iberian team received was one goal and a lackluster performance in terms of finishing.
Portugal's biggest problem right now isn't their ability to organize their play, but rather their ineffective finishing in front of goal. Midfielders like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Vitinha still create many creative passes, but the final touches from Ronaldo, Neto, and Leao lack the necessary precision.
Pressure mounted on Ronaldo after Messi scored a hat-trick in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. (Photo: AP)
Many European football experts believe that Portugal is focusing too much on ball control and short passes instead of prioritizing directness in attack. Beautiful passing sequences in the midfield are meaningless if they cannot be converted into goals.
Against Uzbekistan, a team known for its disciplined play, tight defense, and fast counter-attacks, Portugal needs to change its approach. They must increase their number of shots, make better use of set pieces, and constantly put pressure on the opposing defense.
The 1-3 defeat against Colombia might lead many to underestimate Uzbekistan in their first World Cup appearance. However, the match showed that the Central Asian representatives were not inferior to their opponents, only lacking the South American team in terms of practical experience. Uzbekistan possessed fast counter-attacks down both flanks, impressive transitional abilities, and a tenacious fighting spirit. If they become complacent or continue to squander opportunities against a team considered weaker, Ronaldo and his teammates could face another unfavorable result.
With a tough match against Colombia – a worthy opponent – in the final group stage game, a victory against Uzbekistan is almost a mandatory task for Portugal. Only three points will allow Portugal to maintain control of their destiny in the race for a place in the knockout round.
After the first round of matches, Colombia is temporarily leading Group K with 3 points. The Democratic Republic of Congo and Portugal are behind with 1 point each. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan is at the bottom of the group and will be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup if they fail to win any of their second matches.
Ronaldo shouldn't make himself a "difficult problem".
Aside from tactical issues, the focus remains on Cristiano Ronaldo. At 41 years old, the football legend will once again participate in the 2026 World Cup, carrying the expectations of millions of fans on his shoulders.
However, CR7's performance against the Democratic Republic of Congo sparked much debate. Despite his best efforts, Ronaldo didn't leave much of a professional mark. He frequently appeared in the penalty area but lacked the speed and sharpness to make a difference. Some of Portugal's attacking moves were even slowed down because his teammates prioritized getting the ball to the captain instead of choosing a more optimal option.
Undeniably, Ronaldo still possesses an impressive goal-scoring instinct and rare experience. But top-level football always demands tangible results. Without making a concrete contribution through goals or decisive assists, Ronaldo's presence can become a burden to the entire team, affecting their overall playing style.
Coach Roberto Martinez is facing a difficult dilemma. On the one hand, he needs to leverage Ronaldo's influence and inspirational abilities. On the other hand, the Spanish strategist must also ensure the team operates in the most efficient way possible, rather than focusing solely on individual records.
The match against Uzbekistan could be seen as an opportunity for Ronaldo to prove he is still the "leader" of Portugal. A goal or a convincing performance would help the former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker regain his psychological balance and dispel the growing doubts.
Conversely, if he continues to underperform, the pressure from public opinion will undoubtedly increase significantly. At that point, the question of whether Portugal should continue building their playing style around this superstar will become even more heated.
The World Cup is always a stage for heroes. For Portugal, the match against Uzbekistan is an opportunity to prove themselves as a title contender. Ronaldo and his teammates need to improve their attacking efficiency and demonstrate their status with a convincing victory.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/ronaldo-va-bai-kiem-tra-sinh-tu-19626062221020408.htm
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