Tashev: Didn't like Ronaldo's performance against DR Congo — Portugal looked better without him
June 19, 2026 · TaegeukGoal
Sergey Tashuev criticized Cristiano Ronaldo's performance against DR Congo, saying Portugal were better without him.
Former multi-club manager Sergey Tashuev has criticized star striker Cristiano Ronaldo after his side's performance against DR Congo in their first match of the 2026 World Cup group stage. In this match, Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo. Ronaldo played for 90 minutes but did not score a goal.
"I watched the match between DR Congo and Portugal. DR Congo were a good, strong team. Portugal have a lot of highly rated players, including PSG's Vitinha. But I didn't like Ronaldo. He should have played more in some moments, but he lacked sharpness. He got blocked and ended up not being able to get the right shots. It wasn't Ronaldo's best game at the World Cup. Portugal looked better without him. Ronaldo lacks his old sharpness. “His play wasn’t impressive,” he said.
Tashuev told this story in an interview with "Champion" journalist Nikolai Baranov.