Martinez Explains Why He Kept Ronaldo on the Field Against DR Congo

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Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has defended his decision to keep Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch during the 1-1 draw with DR Congo. Despite Ronaldo’s ongoing run without a goal from open play across five World Cup games, Martinez made it clear he never considered substituting his all-time leading scorer. “It makes no sense to take out the best goal scorer in world football when you need goals,” he said. The draw marked Ronaldo’s tenth consecutive major tournament match without an open-play goal. Martinez blamed Portugal’s lack of intensity after João Neves’ early strike and added that the team must improve its finishing if they want to progress.

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