Portugal's Francisco Conceição: No obligation to pass to Ronaldo - ESPN

Portugal's Francisco Conceição on Sunday rejected suggestions that the team feels compelled to constantly look for Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch at this 2026 FIFA World Cup.

«We don't have any obligation or need to pass the ball to him,» Conceição said. «Cristiano is an example because of the hunger he shows every day, as if it were his last session.»

Critics took aim at Portugal and Ronaldo following their opening 1-1 draw with Congo DR.

Roberto Martínez's side returned to training on Sunday as it prepared for Tuesday's crucial Group K clash against Uzbekistan in Houston, looking for their first victory of the tournament.

Speaking at a news conference before training in Palm Beach, Florida, Conceição said that «there is no one» like Ronaldo when it comes to scoring goals and that the veteran forward is at the World Cup «to help,» just like the rest of the players.

«No, I think Cristiano, with his quality for scoring goals, I don't think there's anyone like him in that department,» Conceição said. «And we don't have that obligation, that necessity to pass the ball to him.

»For example, speaking for myself, I pass the ball to whoever I think is better unmarked at that moment. It's not like I have time to think about who's… what's the face of the teammate next to me, no. I think we do everything by instinct, we do everything… it's thousandths of a second, there's no time for that. And of course, Cristiano is here to help, just like any other player in the national team."

Conceição, 23, made his World Cup debut in the draw vs. Congo DR, 24 years after his father, Sérgio Conceição, played for Portugal in the World Cup in South Korea and Japan.

«Cristiano is an example because of what his career has been, because of the