Portugal began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a shocking 1-1 draw against Congo, and Cristiano Ronaldo has been called out for his selfishness.
Despite taking an early lead courtesy of a goal from Joao Neves, Portugal failed to convert their chances. Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa equalised for Congo, and that was enough for the African side to get their first point at the World Cup.
Ronaldo has now faced the wrath of Henry over his contribution during the game.
Portugal went in search of a winner and Ronaldo, was clearly desperate to be the man to find the winning goal. One crucial chance saw the ex-Manchester United forward fail to convert from a cut back.
Ronaldo fluffed his lines, but Bruno Fernandes was set behind him waiting to fire a shot.
Henry pointed out that, had the veteran made a selfless run to take away the defender, then Fernandes would’ve had a golden opportunity.
Cristiano Ronaldo reacts with teammates after conceding an equalizer to Yoane Wissa. (Photo by Julian Finney – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
He said on Fox Sports: “One thing that’s important, please… people at home… the team needs to score, it’s not you who needs to score.
“Look here. Portugal has the ball, Conceicao is going to receive the ball. Cristiano Ronaldo has been in this situation several times. If you make that run there [in the opposite direction of the ball], you force the defender to make a decision to close that area. But because he wants to score, he goes in Bruno Fernandes’ path.
“If he went to that small area – he’s been in that situation before – the defender would have to follow him, and then it would be an easy goal ( tap-in ) for Bruno Fernandes. But because he wants to score, he crosses the path of the back pass, you see the two players and it becomes easier for the defense to intercept.
“And that’s my point: the team needs to score, not you. Did you see Bruno Fernandes’ reaction back there, like: ‘let the ball roll, make the run, create space so I can just tap it in’. It didn’t happen.”
Another blank against Congo means Ronaldo has now gone 10 consecutive major tournament games without scoring for Portugal. This is despite having 33 shots to his name.
