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World Cup: Ronaldo faces online backlash after draw, teammate says team prepared

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Portugal drew their World Cup opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo, with star player Cristiano Ronaldo facing criticism for his performance.
  • Teammate Diogo Dalot stated the team had prepared for potential social media backlash and criticism before the tournament, especially with Ronaldo on the squad.
  • Dalot expressed confidence in Ronaldo's ability to bounce back, citing his extensive experience with the national team ahead of Portugal's crucial next match against Uzbekistan.

Cristiano Ronaldo faced a barrage of criticism after Portugal's World Cup group stage opener ended in a draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The star player's limited contribution in the match drew sharp commentary, with former French international Thierry Henry stating, "The team needs to score, not you."

The team needs to score, not you.

— Thierry HenryCriticizing Cristiano Ronaldo's performance in the World Cup opener.

However, Portuguese player Diogo Dalot defended Ronaldo, revealing that the team had anticipated and discussed potential social media backlash and criticism before the tournament began. "It's very simple, in the locker room, on our pitch, before arriving at the World Cup, we had in-depth conversations about this (social media and criticism)," Dalot said.

It's very simple, in the locker room, on our pitch, before arriving at the World Cup, we had in-depth conversations about this (social media and criticism).

— Diogo DalotExplaining the team's preparation for potential backlash.

Dalot explained that the squad was prepared for such a scenario, especially with a prominent player like Ronaldo. "We expected this to happen. When you have a squad like this, especially with a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, we have to be more prepared than usual," he stated. He added that the team's pre-match conversations helped them present a united front when criticism arose, acknowledging that it can sometimes be unfair, untrue, and exaggerated.

We expected this to happen. When you have a squad like this, especially with a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, we have to be more prepared than usual.

— Diogo DalotDescribing the team's anticipation of criticism.

Looking ahead to Portugal's critical next match against Uzbekistan, Dalot voiced strong support for Ronaldo. He believes the star will regain his form and contribute significantly as the team pursues its first World Cup title. "Everyone knows how well Cristiano Ronaldo handles criticism; he has over 20 years of experience with the national team," Dalot remarked.

Everyone knows how well Cristiano Ronaldo handles criticism; he has over 20 years of experience with the national team.

— Diogo DalotExpressing confidence in Ronaldo's ability to overcome criticism.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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