Portugal Boss Fires Back, Boldly Justifying Ronaldo's Undisputed Place in the Squad

Roberto Martínez dismissed "childish" comparisons between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi after a goalless World Cup stalemate against Colombia left Portugal unable to claim top spot in Group K.

A win would have seen Portugal leapfrog the South Americans, allowing them to avoid the more challenging side of the World Cup knockout draw. Ronaldo's side now face a round of 32 encounter against Croatia, with a potential round of 16 showdown against Spain on the horizon.

Colombia, meanwhile, will take on Ghana next, with either Switzerland or Algeria awaiting in the following round.

Ronaldo struggled in Portugal's World Cup opener against DR Congo and managed an xG of just 0.13 against Colombia. He did net a brace against Uzbekistan in between, but that remains the only match in his last seven World Cup appearances where the veteran five-time Ballon d'Or holder has managed to score.