The opening week of the FIFA World Cup was dominated by a full-blown Portuguese soap opera. after a Tremendous 1-1 draw against strong DR Congo teamCristiano Ronaldo has found himself at the center of a familiar media storm. Rumors of dressing room discord have emerged in the Portuguese camp, while critics have aggressively questioned manager Roberto Martínez’s authority and tactical will to sack his 41-year-old captain.

Ronaldo’s performance in Houston added fuel to the fire. The experienced forward cut a deeply disappointing figure, registering only 25 touches and failing to register a single shot on target. The performance extended an unwanted statistical barren patch, making it 10 consecutive matches without a goal for his country in major international tournaments. Complicating the investigation, long-time rival Lionel Messi had lashed out the previous evening With a brilliant hat-trick for Argentina In their opening match against Algeria.

Yet, at the same time as the knives were out, former Manchester United teammate Michael Owen has stepped forward to staunchly defend the legendary forward. Owen dismissed the growing wave of criticism and urged detractors not to misinterpret Ronaldo’s natural development as a footballer.

“It didn’t help Cristiano Ronaldo that Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick the night before we played Portugal, but I’m not criticizing him,” Owen told the Daily Mail.

“Portugal’s performance in the 1-1 draw with DR Congo was not good and a lot of that resulted in a problem for Ronaldo and him.

“But hasn’t he always played like this to a degree? He has never been a player, especially in recent years, who inserts himself into the game. However, he will be there for the big moments. If he is not scoring, it is very easy to blame Ronaldo. At 41, he will be questioned.”

Loading a hat-trick?

Owen is absolutely convinced that Ronaldo has the unmatched ability to rewrite the script when backed into a corner, which he hopes to take advantage of in Portugal’s next Group K match on June 23.

Owen said, “But how many times has that happened and he shut everyone out in the next game? If you’re picking Ronaldo you have to accept what he’s there for – and I wouldn’t be surprised if he responded with his hat-trick against Uzbekistan.”

Martínez’s tactical blueprint continues to deploy Ronaldo in the central focal point between Bernardo Silva and Pedro Neto. While domestic pundits suggest the system compromises Portugal’s liquidity, the pressure is clear heading into Tuesday’s Group K clash with Uzbekistan.

For Ronaldo, dating debutants at the tournament provides him with the final step to do the work he has built his career on, turning huge noise into silent affirmation.

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