Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleCristiano Ronaldo appeared in his sixth World Cup on Wednesday as he started Portugal’s first match against DR Congo.The 41-year-old striker struggled to make an impact, but remained on the pitch for the entire 90 minutes.It appeared that he was in line to be substituted in the latter stages of the game, but Portugal boss Roberto Martinez opted to keep Ronaldo on the pitch.BBC commentator Chris Sutton hit out at Martinez’s decision, as he accused the Portugal manager of being “scared” to take off the veteran striker.It proved to be a disappointing afternoon for Portugal as they were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo.In fullPortugal v DR Congo LIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo hunts record World Cup goal after Yoane Wissa stuns favouritesThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleCristiano Ronaldo appeared in his sixth…

Ronaldo, 41, failed to get on the scoresheet as Portugal drew 1-1 to DR Congo in their World Cup opener in Houston

Portugal coach Roberto Martínez defended keeping Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch during a 1-1 World Cup draw with DR Congo despite a ten-match goal drought.

Martinez defended his decision to keep Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch despite the criticism surrounding the veteran forward's performance. | Football News

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestylePortugal, captained by Cristiano Ronaldo,…

Wednesday's 1-1 draw with DR Congo at the World Cup saw the Portuguese struggle to create chances, and their coach failed to adapt

Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez has stood firmly behind his decision to play Cristiano Ronaldo for the entirety of Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against DR Congo