DR Congo's Ngal'ayel Mukau Gives Honest Cristiano Ronaldo Take After World Cup Draw

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Ngal'ayel Mukau's comments about Cristiano Ronaldo have gone viral after DR Congo and Portugal played out a 1-1 draw at the World Cup on Wednesday afternoon.

Ronaldo, now 41 years old, was named in Seleção das Quinas' starting XI for their match against the African nation at Houston Stadium in Texas.

Portugal went into the match as huge favourites and it didn't take them long to take the lead as Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves headed home in the sixth minute.

Despite having the lion's share of possession for the remainder of the first half, Portugal were unable to add to their lead and DR Congo made them pay when Yoane Wissa restored parity on the stroke of half-time.

Neither side could find a winner in the second half as the the spoils were shared.

Ronaldo would have been hoping to get off to a flying start at the 2026 World Cup. However, despite playing the full 90 minutes, he was unable to make an impact.

In fact, he received a Sofascore rating of just 6.1/10 after a highly frustrating night that saw him take three shots but record none on target.

Lille midfielder Mukau was asked about Ronaldo in his post-match interview. A reporter quizzed him on whether DR Congo had worked on a 'special plan' to contain the 41-year-old. Mukau replied:

"To be honest, not really, because we know he's not the same as before... he's a bit older now."

"Still, one of the greatest to ever play the game, much respect to him!"

Thierry Henry sent a message to Ronaldo following his performance against DR Congo. The Frenchman, who was covering the game as a pundit for Fox, said following the draw:

"One thing that's important, people, please at home, the team needs to score. Not you needs to score...

"Because he [Ronaldo] wants to score, he goes in the path of the back pass, you see both players, and it's easier for you to defend. And that's my thing: the team needs to score. Not you."

Ronaldo addressed his performance and the result on social media after the match. He wrote: "It wasn't the start we wanted, but this is far from over. Head up and focus on the next game."

Portugal and Ronaldo are next in action on Tuesday, June 23, when they take on Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium.

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