Published 3 days ago • loading... • Updated 2 days ago

Soccer-Dalot Hits Back at Portugal Critics, Defends Ronaldo

On Friday, Portugal defender Ruben Dias dismissed criticism of teammate Cristiano Ronaldo as "noise" following the team's 1-1 World Cup draw against Democratic Republic of Congo in their opener.
Despite completing 740 passes, Portugal managed only one shot on target against Congo, playing in their first World Cup for 52 years, prompting a barrage of criticism.
Former France striker Thierry Henry criticized Ronaldo for prioritizing personal glory over team success, as the 41-year-old's goal drought at major tournaments extended to 10 games.
Dias rejected singling out any player, emphasizing the squad remains united and accustomed to intense media pressure surrounding major tournaments.
Returning from injury, Dias declared himself ready for Tuesday's second group match against Uzbekistan, where Portugal anticipates defensive back-five tactics similar to Congo's.

Insights by Ground AI

30 Articles

“Leave this team right now and go home" - Canadian broadcaster slams Cristiano Ronaldo and Roberto Martinez after FIFA World Cup draw to Congo

Canadian broadcaster Sid Seixeiro has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to leave the Portugal national team if they are to do better in the FIFA World Cup.

2 days ago

Read Full Article

Devdiscourse

Center

Soccer-Dalot hits back at Portugal critics, defends Ronaldo

Read more about Soccer-Dalot hits back at Portugal critics, defends Ronaldo on Devdiscourse.

2 days ago·India

Read Full Article

The Hindu

Lean Left

FIFA World Cup 2026: Dalot hits back at Portugal critics, defends Ronaldo

Dalot’s comments came after what he described as a few hard days ‌following Portugal’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Democratic Republic of Congo.

2 days ago·Chennai, India

Read Full Article

Beatrice Daily Sun

Center

Portugal tuning out 'noise' as Ronaldo criticism mounts

PALM BEACH GARDENS — The Portugal squad are shutting out criticism of the team and captain Cristiano Ronaldo following an underwhelming draw in their World Cup opener against Democratic Republic of Congo, defender Ruben Dias said on Friday.

3 days ago

Read Full Article

Le Figaro

Lean Right

"We Are All in the Spotlight": Ruben Dias Believes that the Critics Are Not only Targeting Cristiano Ronaldo

Portuguese defender Ruben Dias acknowledged on Friday 19 June that Portugal had made mistakes in its draw (1-1) against the Democratic Republic of the Congo for its entry into the 2026 World Cup.

3 days ago·Paris, France

Read Full Article

OKDIARIO

Right

Key Message From Cristiano Ronaldo in the Face of Tension in Portugal: «Always United»

Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken publicly to put an end to the noise of a war in Portugal. In the last few hours false statements have circulated that have affected the Luso costume and that has caused the striker to take a step forward to convey a message of unity to the selection in the World Cup after the puncture to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To tie in the world debut was something that hurt a favorite Portugal to win their first Worl…

3 days ago

Read Full Article

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/year