Cristiano Ronaldo endured a tough afternoon during Portugal's World Cup opener against DR Congo09:00, 18 Jun 2026DR Congo midfielder Ngal Ayel Mukau says they didn't have a specific plan to combat Cristiano Ronaldo following their 1-1 draw with Portugal. Roberto Martinez's side laboured to a point against the African club in their group opener.‌The Portuguese icon has come underfire after his disappointing showing as the 41-year-old struggled to impact the game as he used to. Ronaldo had just 25 touches across the 90 minutes and three shots, all of which were on target.‌Martinez finds himself facing scrutiny over the utilisation of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner as Portugal lacked an attacking edge against the nation ranked 46th in the FIFA world rankings.‌And Mukau's comments highlight the diminishing fear factor that the Manchester United and Real Madrid star once had. The Lille midfielder admitted that Congo didn't hone in on the 41-year-old as they realised his strengths aren't what they previous were.He said: "To be honest, not really (a plan) because we know he's not the same as before, he's a bit older now."But still he's one of the greatest to ever play the game so much respect to him. When you get old, it's not the same efforts you can make but still too much respect, he's one of the greatest to play the game."‌Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!Colombia, who they face in the final group stage match, top the group after their 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. Portugal will need to overcome Uzbekistan in their next group match if they are to move within touching distance of qualifying for the knockout phases and avoiding a path through as one of the best third-placed teams.Ronaldo's drought in major tournaments extended as he has now gone 10 World Cup and European Championship games without a goal. In that period, he has had 33 shots and just 11 on target, but now, one of the world's greats is facing intense scrutiny over his capability to perform at the international level.‌France hero Thierry Henry ripped into the 41-year-old, he told 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."Article continues belowContent cannot be displayed without consent