What public criticism did Ronaldo face before his World Cup goal spree?

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Ronaldo Faced Scrutiny Amidst a Barren Tournament Run and Public Criticism

Cristiano Ronaldo encountered significant public criticism leading up to his recent goal-scoring performance in the World Cup. This scrutiny arose from a perceived lack of impactful play in major tournaments and a specific "stale 1-1 draw" against the Democratic Republic of Congo, where his performance was described as "laboured and largely anonymous." The pressure intensified to the point where some quarters called for the coach to omit the veteran captain from the lineup, with Ronaldo, the coach, and the entire team facing considerable criticism back home.
Renewed Calls to Drop the Veteran Captain

Following the uninspiring 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Ronaldo's contributions were minimal, the demand for him to be dropped from the starting eleven grew louder. This sentiment was amplified by the overall performance of the team, which was also under fire domestically. The lack of goals and decisive play from the captain in crucial moments led to widespread dissatisfaction among fans and media.
Unfavourable Comparisons to Contemporary Stars

Prior to his World Cup goal spree, Ronaldo was frequently compared unfavourably to other prominent forwards participating in the tournament. Players such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane were seen as outperforming him, adding to the pressure and scrutiny he faced. This narrative of being eclipsed by his peers contributed to the perception that his effectiveness on the world stage was waning.
A Difficult Week Marked by Harsh Public Opinion

The period leading up to his resurgence was characterized by what Ronaldo described as "a very tough week, a difficult week, a week in which public opinion was very harsh on us, on all the players, especially on the coach." This indicates a period of intense negative sentiment directed towards the team and its key player, fueled by recent performances and expectations. The criticism often centered on his age and perceived decline, with frequent declarations that he was "finished" or "old" when results did not go their way.

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What public criticism did Ronaldo face before his World Cup goal spree?

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