No pressure to pass to C.Ronaldo — Portugal winger Conceicao

June 21, 2026

Portugal’s forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the 2026 World Cup Group K football match between Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Houston Stadium in Houston on June 17, 2026. (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP)

Portugal winger Francisco Conceicao insisted on Sunday his team-mates felt no pressure to pass to Cristiano Ronaldo following scrutiny of the veteran superstar’s role in their lacklustre World Cup opener.

Critics have questioned whether the 41-year-old Ronaldo’s lack of mobility is having a negative effect on Portugal’s chances in the wake of a pedestrian 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

But Conceicao on Sunday there was no was question of players feeling obliged to pass to Ronaldo if other team-mates were in better attacking positions.

No pressure to pass to C.Ronaldo — Portugal winger Conceicao

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