Having yet to win the tournament, Cristiano Ronaldo featured at his sixth World Cup as Portugal took on DR Congo. His team were poor, though, as they were held to a 1-1 draw.

The Portuguese players started brightly and took a lead through a fine Joao Neves header after just six minutes. However, their opponents caused plenty of threat throughout the first half and found an equaliser just before the break, with Premier League striker Yoane Wissa heading home to make it 1-1.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Portugal getting on the ball but struggling to create, while Congo looked to threaten on the break. In the end, the game fizzled out with the African side delighted to take their first-ever point at a World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo Struggles in First 2026 World Cup Outing

Cristiano Ronaldo via REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Naturally, all eyes were on Ronaldo during the game, but he struggled to make an impact in the first-half. Indeed, during the break, BBC Sport revealed that he had touched the ball just 16 times and failed to get any shots away at goal.

The second half was more of the same, but Ronaldo did finally get a shot away just before the 70th minute. He scuffed an effort wide when he should have perhaps left it for Bruno Fernandes. Moments later, he had a similar chance, although he was unable to work the goalkeeper with his effort, once again missing from close range.

Despite Ronaldo’s struggles, manager Roberto Martinez kept his captain on, even subbing off midfielder Vitinha in the 83rd minute to get striker Goncalo Ramos on the pitch. This did not pay off as the 41-year-old made little to no impact in the dying stages.

He finished the match with a 6.2 SofaScore player rating, the joint-worst of all Portugal players (level with Bernardo Silva, who was subbed at half time). In total, Ronalso had just three shots but didn’t hit the target with any. On top of that, he managed only 25 touches, which was fewer than goalkeeper Diogo Costa (37).

Fans Slam Ronaldo vs DR Congo

Cristiano Ronaldo via REUTERS/Rodrigo Antunes

Fans were not very impressed with Ronaldo as he failed to make much of an impact on proceedings. One said:

One more added: “Ronaldo is such a bad luck to this team.”

Even the kinder takes suggested Ronaldo should be dropped: “Ronaldo is the goat, but he shouldn’t be a starter. He needs to be on the bench.”

One said: “I’m a huge Messi fan but it hurts seeing Ronaldo not play the way he used too.” Another added: “Bernardo and Ronaldo are just too old. They slow down rest of team.”

Others were more blunt, however, with one fan saying: “Ronaldo is for Portugal such a horrible player man he is so finished.” One more said, “Now the whole world can see how washed Ronaldo is.”

One fan pointed out how he should have left one chance for Fernandes, instead of shooting: “It was literally a perfect pass to Bruno but Ronaldo made a bad choice.”

A final supporter damningly said: “Ronaldo as usual the worst Portuguese player on the pitch.”

Liverpool are pushing to add a new midfielder to their ranks this summer, as TeamTalk reports of a new target on the scene for the Reds in the transfer market.

Andoni Iraola’s side need some fresh legs across the squad, with work already underway to sign Yan Diomande as an option for the forward areas, following an impressive breakout campaign for RB Leipzig.

The central ranks are next on the agenda, with an injection of energy needed to help impose the pressing style that Liverpool will want to play under the new head coach.

There have been links with a few options, as Alex Scott has been linked as a possible target, with a potential reunion with Iraola on the cards if he does join from Bournemouth.

However, there is seemingly another deal on the cards, as Liverpool are set to intensify their interest in another midfielder instead.

Liverpool Want Adam Wharton

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According to a report from TeamTalk, Liverpool are “intensifying” their interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as an option for this summer.

The 21-year-old is believed to be a priority for the Reds, but there are concerns that any move could prove costly for the England international, due to the inflation in the midfield market from moves elsewhere.

Wharton is claimed to be keen on joining, while an offer over £70 million will be sanctioned by the owners for the 22-year-old if a move is made this summer.

While Liverpool continue to monitor the possibility of signing the Crystal Palace star, that doesn’t rule out the possibility of signing Scott from Bournemouth as an alternative option.

The Reds are tracking both England midfielders, with a decision to be made on who they will push for in the coming weeks of the transfer window.

Wharton Is Perfect For Liverpool

Wharton may not be the first player you think of when it comes to a pressing style of football. The midfielder isn’t exactly the most mobile presence in the middle of the pitch, but his use in an Iraola system may not come from his work off the ball, but rather his work on it.

In a chaotic setup, the England star may offer some balance and an ability to control the game and play it at his own pace, which is incredibly important for a side like Liverpool.

Oliver Glasner described him as “one of the best midfielders in the world”, a reputation that may not be too far wrong when he is playing at his strengths.

Given that Liverpool need a little more quality in possession, he could be perfect in the base of midfield, capable of teeing up the rest of his teammates to create chances.

A deal could prove tough to do, but it may be an important one to get over the line this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to return to the Premier League’s elite this summer after agreeing three deals already, and they could be closing in on a fourth deal after agreeing personal terms with another target.

Tottenham clearly have no intention of finding themselves in another relegation battle next term, and they are ready to seriously back manager Roberto De Zerbi in the transfer market to give the Italian the best tools to bring them back up the Premier League standings.

One of the key areas of focus appears to be the defence after Spurs conceded 183 goals in their previous three top flight campaigns, with three new faces arriving to bolster the backline already.

The north Londoners have already announced the signings of free agent duo Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, while Jan Paul van Hecke is set to join them at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when he returns from the World Cup after a £52m deal was agreed with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Tottenham are also in talks to make Joao Palhinha’s move permanent after De Zerbi made it clear he wants the 30-year-old after a successful loan spell, while they are also in discussions to sign Manchester City winger Savinho.

Tottenham Agree Personal Terms With Sandro Tonali

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Fabrizio Romano dropped a bombshell earlier this week that Tottenham were pushing to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, as De Zerbi looks to add a statement signing to his squad ahead of next season.

Despite links with Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United this summer, the Magpies man is said to be keen to link up with his Italian compatriot at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

That belief has been backed up by one trusted Tottenham source on X, who claims that the 26-year-old has now agreed personal terms to join Spurs on a long-term contract.

The next challenge for club chiefs will be to find an agreement with Newcastle, with GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs suggesting that the Tyneside outfit will demand a total fee worth up to £100m for their midfield maestro.

Tonali Deal Would Send Statement Out to Premier League

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Tottenham were a laughing stock for rival clubs’ fans last season, but there is no doubt that the addition of Tonali would send out a real statement to them and Spurs’ rivals ahead of next season.

Tonali has established himself as one of the best in his position in the Premier League since making the move to St James’ Park, and he should be in the prime years of his career at 26 years of age.

The Italy international has shown that he can be an all-round midfielder, offering physicality, energy, quality on the ball, and a goal threat.

What would be interesting to see is if Tottenham do end up landing Palhinha and Tonali, who ends up leaving.

De Zerbi currently has Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Conor Gallagher, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall to choose from in midfield, and at least one of those would surely be on their way if Palhinha and Tonali both join.

Sarr has been linked with an exit, while you wonder if one of Gray and Bergvall could be sent out on loan if their minutes are going to be limited, like they were in the closing stages of last season.