Cristiano Ronaldo is widely recognized as one of the greatest soccer players in history. His remarkable career has captivated fans globally, with his goal-scoring feats spanning across Europe and now extending into Saudi Arabia. Despite his legendary status, questions arise about how his presence affects Portugal’s ambitions to secure a World Cup victory.

On Wednesday, following Lionel Messi’s impressive hat trick against Algeria, Ronaldo faced a challenging night on the field. Despite his efforts, he failed to score in Portugal’s match. This was highlighted in a late-game substitution choice, as coach Roberto Martínez chose to substitute Vitinha, a key player in midfield, while leaving Ronaldo, 41, on the pitch despite his lack of threat.

Portugal, widely expected to secure an easy win against the Democratic Republic of Congo, struggled to meet expectations. The game ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw. DR Congo managed to display more aggressive and effective attacking play, creating more dangerous opportunities and leading the expected goals for the match.

While Ronaldo was unable to make a significant impact, the responsibility extends to the entire Portuguese team. Although they completed over 700 passes with a 92% accuracy rate, these statistics were rendered ineffective as they lacked a purposeful offensive strategy.

Portugal’s current style of play resembles a game of keep-away. This approach might suffice for retaining possession but falls short in a tournament defined by aggressive plays and standout performances. Portugal urgently needs a strategic overhaul, but it’s uncertain whether Ronaldo fits into the solution.