Portugal's Conceição Denies Pressure to Pass to Ronaldo

New York. Despite criticism surrounding Portugal winger Francisco Conceição's performance in the first World Cup match, he clarified that there is no pressure on the team's players to pass the ball only to star striker Cristiano Ronaldo. 

After the match against DR Congo ended in a 1-1 draw, critics questioned whether 41-year-old Ronaldo's declining on-field mobility was affecting Portugal's chances. 

At a press conference held on Sunday, Conceição, who also plays for Juventus, stated that no one is compelled to pass the ball to Ronaldo when other players are in a better position. He said, 'We don't feel we have to pass him the ball. I pass the ball to the player who is in the best position on the field and who is not marked by the opponent.' 

He mentioned that Ronaldo is seen as a regular member of the team and that everyone's contribution is necessary for collective success. Conceição added that Ronaldo's hunger, playing career, and leadership qualities, even at the age of 41, are an example to all, and he is here to help the team like any other player. 

Ronaldo appeared quite subdued in the match against DR Congo. Throughout the game, he touched the ball only 25 times, which is his lowest ball touch in any major tournament while playing the entire duration. In contrast, his long-time rival, 38-year-old Lionel Messi, scored a hat-trick the previous day to lead defending champions Argentina to a 3-0 victory against Algeria. 

Portugal will play their second match in Group 'K' against Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday, where the team faces pressure to win to make a comeback. Conceição admitted that he could not perform his duties as expected in the first match and claimed to deliver a quality performance to secure a win in the next game. 

Following the result of the first match, former France striker Thierry Henry, speaking on Fox Channel, accused Ronaldo of being selfish. Henry had said, 'The team needs a goal, you don't just need a goal for yourself.' 

Meanwhile, DR Congo midfielder Ngalaiel Mukau commented that Ronaldo is not the player he used to be and cannot put in the same effort due to his age. Coach Roberto Martinez has also not escaped this criticism. Some analysts have accused Martinez of being afraid to remove captain Ronaldo from the field or bench him. 

When Paris Saint-Germain striker Gonçalo Ramos was brought onto the field in the 83rd minute, replacing midfielder Vitinha, and Ronaldo was kept on for the entire match, former Premier League striker Chris Sutton commented on the BBC, saying, 'This decision by Martinez is shameful. He is afraid to take Ronaldo out. He is not a real manager; today's game was beyond Ronaldo's control.'