Portugal 1-1 DR Congo – Five touches
Ronaldo struggled to get involved in Portugal’s opening draw, managing just five touches inside the box across the full 90 minutes.
His total of 29 touches for the match was the second fewest of any Portugal starter, with only Bernardo Silva recording fewer at 26, despite Silva being substituted at half-time. Ronaldo played 45 minutes longer than his teammate for just three more touches of the ball.
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Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan – Ten touches
Given a regular supply from Joao Cancelo and Bruno Fernandes, Ronaldo found the box far more often against Uzbekistan. He recorded 10 touches inside it, the most of any player on the pitch, on his way to a first half brace in a dominant win.
Colombia 0-0 Portugal – Two touches
Ronaldo’s influence inside the box dropped sharply, with just two touches across 90 minutes played in stifling Miami heat, as Portugal were held scoreless in a tense final group match. His overall touch count for the game was 35.
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Portugal 2-1 Croatia – One touch
Ronaldo’s lowest box involvement of the tournament arrived at the most important moment. His single touch inside the box, in 81 minutes on the pitch before being substituted, was the 68th minute penalty that gave him his first ever World Cup knockout goal.
It raises an uncomfortable question for Roberto Martinez. Is Ronaldo too reliant on service, or is Portugal’s attack too reliant on finding him? Either way, a stronger Spain side awaits in the last 16, and one touch may not be enough to settle it again.
Photo: REUTERS/Mike Segar
