Martínez Under Fire: "I've Never Seen a Manager Pander to a Player So Much, It's Embarrassing"

Portugal's group stage campaign at the World Cup has fueled critics' doubts, with Chris Sutton, the former Norwich, Blackburn, Celtic, and Chelsea player, particularly targeting Cristiano Ronaldo's usage throughout the national team's first three matches.

The former English striker and current BBC Sports pundit deemed it "embarrassing for Roberto Martínez" that Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes against DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia. "I've never seen a manager pander to a player as much as he does. Portugal has some incredible players who are being held back by his constant presence as the lone striker," he reiterated.

Sutton acknowledged that "Ronaldo isn't the player he once was," but still predicted a 1-0 Portuguese victory over Croatia in the Round of 16. He believes the Balkan side's aging squad will be a factor: "Croatia is also getting older and isn't the team they once were. It will be tight, but I can see Portugal winning in regular time."

The former forward, however, also backed a 2-1 Portuguese win with a goal from... Ronaldo: "With me criticizing him, he'll probably score the winning goal." Sutton had previously argued that Martínez "is afraid" to substitute the captain, following the draw against DR Congo.