Why Ronaldo’s Scoring Drought Matters

Ronaldo’s inability to find the net in Qatar has exposed a tactical vulnerability for Portugal. In the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, he scored eight goals in six games, including a hat-trick in the 2018 final. This tournament, however, he has been held to just one assist—a free-kick in the 3-3 draw against Switzerland—despite Portugal’s offensive firepower.

The issue extends beyond goals. Portugal’s attack has lacked rhythm, with only two shots on target in the Uruguay match, according to FIFA’s official match reports. While Ronaldo has contributed to buildup play, his lack of a goal threatens to derail Portugal’s campaign, especially if they face a tougher opponent in the knockout stage.

Key Stat: Ronaldo’s 14 World Cup goals remain the most by any player in history, but his career average of 0.7 goals per game in World Cups has dropped to zero in 2023.

Tactical and Fitness Concerns: Why Ronaldo Isn’t Scoring

Sources close to the Portugal squad have suggested Ronaldo’s role has shifted from pure striker to a more creative, deep-lying forward. However, this adjustment has come at a cost: his movement and pace, once lethal in the final third, appear diminished. Former United and Portugal midfielder Paul Scholes, speaking to ESPN Brasil, hinted at a private conversation with Martínez where he questioned Ronaldo’s fitness.

“I’ve spoken to the manager, and I think it’s a problem. Cristiano is not the same player he was two years ago.”

The shift in Ronaldo’s role was evident in Portugal’s 1-1 draw against Uruguay, where he spent much of the match tracking back to help the defense. While this contributed to Portugal’s defensive solidity, it limited his goal-scoring opportunities. Uruguay’s tight, low-block defense stifled Portugal’s attack, but Ronaldo’s lack of a clear strike remained a concern.

Comparison: In 2018, Ronaldo scored four goals in four games, often dropping deep to link play before surging forward. This tournament, his average position has been higher up the pitch, reducing his goal-scoring threat.

Media and Fan Backlash: Is Ronaldo the Scapegoat?

Portuguese media outlets have not shied away from criticism. Correio da Manhã, one of Portugal’s largest newspapers, ran a front-page headline reading “Só Ronaldo escapa à razia no ataque da seleção” (“Only Ronaldo escapes the attack’s purge”), implying the team’s offensive struggles are centered on him. The Jornal de Notícias went further, questioning whether Ronaldo should be benched in favor of younger talents like Rafael Leão or Gonçalo Ramos.

The criticism has not been limited to Portugal. Former England striker Michael Owen, speaking to Goal.com, defended Ronaldo against what he called “easy targets.”

“It’s very easy to blame Cristiano Ronaldo. But he’s still the best player in the world. If he’s not scoring, it’s not just his fault—it’s the system.”

Owen’s comments reflect a broader debate: Is Ronaldo the victim of unrealistic expectations, or has his decline in form made him a liability? The answer may lie in how Martínez deploys him in the knockout stages.

What Happens Next: Ronaldo’s Role in the Knockout Stage

Portugal’s next match is a Round of 16 clash against Morocco on December 3 (18:00 UTC) at the Education City Stadium in Doha. If Portugal advances, they could face a tough quarterfinal against