Roberto Martinez has described as “childish” comparisons between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi after Portugal’s 0-0 draw with Colombia at the World Cup, a result that cost them top spot in Group K.
A win would have lifted Portugal above the Latin Americans in the standings, giving them an easier path to the knockout stage. Ronaldo’s team will now face Croatia in the round of 32, while if they qualify, they could face Spain in the next round.
Meanwhile, Colombia will face Ghana and then the winner of the Switzerland-Algeria match.
Ronaldo struggled in the opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo and recorded an average of just 0.13 against Colombia. He scored twice against Uzbekistan, but that remains the only match in which the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has found the net in his last seven World Cup appearances.
Messi, on the other hand, has been in incredible form at this World Cup. The Argentine scored all five of his country’s goals in victories over Algeria and Austria, securing their early qualification for the next round. Despite starting off the bench against Jordan, the 39-year-old managed to score his 19th goal in World Cup history.
“We don’t make comparisons with players from other teams. That would be childish.”
The Spanish coach also defended his decision to continue to trust Ronaldo as a starter, despite criticism that his presence could be hindering the team.
“Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. It’s more a matter of being mentally strong, disciplined in positioning and able to create spaces in our attacking schemes.”
“It’s not a problem for Cristiano to play 90 minutes, but maybe in the next match we will need changes, just like with any other player. We monitor all the information we get from matches and training and there is always the possibility to make changes.”
