Cristiano Ronaldo match grades: Why aging star held Portugal back in draw vs. DR Congo

ASFN Admin · Jun 17, 2026

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Cristiano Ronaldo match grades: Why aging star held Portugal back in draw vs. DR Congo originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Portugal suffered the most ignominious of results against a dogged and technically proficient Democratic Republic of the Congo side on Wednesday afternoon.

The Selecao de las Quinas stormed out in front with a goal in the game's first six minutes. But it was unable to add to its advantage, with star striker Cristiano Ronaldo struggling to impose himself on a Congolese defense spearheaded by captain Chancel Mbemba.

Ronaldo huffed and puffed across 90 minutes and stoppage time. But he was fairly ineffective, spurning the ball's spotlight as DR Congo rallied to secure a historic 1-1 draw.

With that, here's a look at Ronaldo's performance on Wednesday afternoon, a showing that could live long in infamy for spectators of a Portuguese disposition.

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Cristiano Ronaldo match grades

Match grade: 4

Ronaldo put forth a toothless display atop the NRG Stadium grass on Wednesday night, failing to impose himself on a resolute Leopards defense.

The 41-year-old finished the match with just 25 touches, far fewer than his forward partners for Portugal. He offered little in the form of approach play, attempting just 21 passes across 90 minutes. Portugal commanded far more control of the ball than DR Congo, posting 75 percent possession compared to the Leopards' 25 percent.

As expected, Ronaldo came to life in the box, attempting three shots in the match. Ronaldo's efforts yielded an expected goals mark of 0.46, the highest figure in the match. Yet, none of his subsequent attempts actually found their target — Ronaldo failed to record a shot on goal in the contest.

Ronaldo recorded his second-fewest touches in a World Cup start with his performance on Wednesday, per ESPN. In other words, he was rarely involved in the action, serving as little more than an appendage of Portugal's disjointed attack.

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It wasn't all on him. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez failed to make the adjustments the Selecao das Quinas needed after a dour first half. Ronaldo, who recorded just 13 touches in the first half, should've been given a reprieve in favor of a younger, more attacking option. DR Congo rode its luck to be sure, especially when the chances fell to Portugal's talisman. Still, the Portuguese recorded an xG of 0.64 during the outing, 0.18 fewer than the Leopards did.

Ronaldo was the most prominent reason for those toils. His match grade reflects that.

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Cristiano Ronaldo match grades: Why aging star held Portugal back in draw vs. DR Congo

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