'It's not fair' - Roberto Martinez hits out at Cristiano Ronaldo criticism after Portugal's shock defeat to Denmark

Ronaldo was largely absent at the top of the pitch as Portugal fell to a 1-0 defeat against Denmark in the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final. The legendary forward was anonymous as Portugal were surprisingly defeated and Ronaldo came under fire for his inability to influence the game. Martinez labelled it the nation's worst performance in two years in an attempt to fire his players up for the return leg, but he is adamant any criticism of his talismanic striker is unfair.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the return leg, via A Bola, Martinez said: "Our teams are very flexible tactically, we have played with two strikers. We need to use our players depending on our opponent. But it is not a question of trying to talk about Cristiano in every game. If Cristiano Ronaldo scores, he is the most important player in the team. When he does not score, it is because of his age. It is not a fair assessment."

Ronaldo's presence in the Portuguese starting line-up and squad continues to raise questions. While the five-time Ballon d'Or winner may once have been the first name on the team sheet, now 40 of age and no longer at the peak of his powers, Martinez will no doubt be weighing up the difficult decision of dropping him. Ronaldo's abject performances at the 2024 European Championships suggested his time in the Portuguese side should have been up, but, with the forward still looking to play at the next World Cup, Martinez may have to make a tough choice.

Ronaldo can respond to his critics by helping his side overturn their 1-0 deficit on Sunday night - even if he claims he wouldn't play if it guaranteed a win. Should they win the tie, they will progress to the Nations League semi-final, to take place in early June.