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World Cup champion Thierry Henry sharply criticized Cristiano Ronaldo's underwhelming display in Portugal's frustrating draw with DR Congo, repeatedly driving home the same pointed message: "The team needs to score, not you."
Henry has maintained an air of barely concealed irritation throughout his opening week as a Fox Sports analyst. Alexi Lalas's intentionally provocative remarks have largely been the target of that frustration, but it was Ronaldo's poor outing for Portugal that prompted Henry's most recent criticism.
"One thing that's important," the Frenchman emphasized following Wednesday's 1–1 stalemate, staring straight into the camera for extra effect, "the team needs to score, not you need to score."
The iconic former Arsenal forward drew attention to a particular passage of play in the second half while Portugal was pushing for a winning goal that never materialized. Francisco Conceição had worked his way into the penalty area, and rather than making a run toward the far post—which would have positioned Ronaldo to receive a low cross while, more crucially, opening up space for Bruno Fernandes behind him—the 41-year-old stayed put and poked a weak shot wide.
"Because he wants to score, he goes into the path of Bruno Fernandes," Henry lamented. "It's easier to defend."
"That's my thing," the Frenchman added, "the team needs to score, not you."
Cristiano Ronaldo Fires Back at His Critics
Henry was far from the only voice singling out Ronaldo as a liability for a supremely talented Portugal side. Even DR Congo's Lille midfielder Ngal'ayel Mukau acknowledged that the static Al Nassr striker is "not the same as before; he's a little older."
Ronaldo himself, however, appeared largely unbothered. "What was missing? Nothing was missing—that's just how soccer is," he shrugged in his post-match press conference. "Portugal could have won, but it could also have lost. It could have gone either way."
The veteran forward reinforced that relaxed attitude on social media. "It wasn't the start we wanted, but this is far from over," he wrote. "Let's keep our heads up and focus on the next game."
Remarkably, Ronaldo wasn't even the most enthusiastic defender of his own performance within Portugal's squad. João Neves, who put his side ahead with a superb header, praised his experienced teammate, who has been competing at World Cups longer than the young midfielder has been alive.
"We know what Cristiano has done for our national team and for soccer," the 21-year-old said admiringly. "I feel like he's just another teammate helping out; it's no different. He played very well; the whole team put on an excellent performance. This draw isn't going to bring us down. On the contrary, it will make us stronger. We'll create more chances and score more goals."