Mukau Jabs Ronaldo's Age After World Cup Stalemate

DR Congo midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau has mocked Cristiano Ronaldo’s age after the Portuguese captain had a quiet game in their 1-1 World Cup draw in Houston on Wednesday, as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.

Ronaldo, who is 41, became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match. But he struggled to make a mark even as Portugal controlled the game. When asked if DR Congo had a plan to stop the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Mukau hinted that age, not tactics, was the reason.

“To be honest, not really. We know that Ronaldo isn’t the same as before. He’s a bit older now.

“But still, he’s one of the greatest to play the game, much respect to him. When you get old like that, it’s not the same. It’s not the same effort that you can make,” Mukau said.

Portugal scored first with Joao Neves heading in Pedro Neto’s left-wing cross in the sixth minute. But Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa equalized for DR Congo just before halftime, giving the country its first World Cup point in fifty-two years.

Ronaldo missed two great chances to put Portugal ahead again in the second half. Both chances came from substitute Francisco Conceicao. He first sent a shot wide of the near post, then was blocked by the DR Congo defense on the second attempt.

Former France striker Thierry Henry also criticized Ronaldo, saying he should have passed to a better-positioned Bruno Fernandes instead of attempting the shot himself.

Despite the disappointing result, Ronaldo took to social media after the match to defend himself against critics. He is still searching for his first goal in nine matches at major tournaments. He is also looking to be the first man to score in six different World Cups.