"There are people who don't want Portugal to win." Diogo Dalot didn't name names, but he didn't need to. After a 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo and the online storm that followed, Portugal's right-back came out swinging.
The result in Group K was the kind of opening that turns social media into a tribunal. Dalot acknowledged the criticism landed — describing the days after the draw as "hard" — but his message was less apology, more warning shot.
"Millions of people want Portugal to win," he told reporters in Palm Beach Gardens. "Our message is clear: we're cohesive as a group, we're strong and we're ready to do everything to win."
Ronaldo under the microscope
Much of the noise, predictably, has been directed at Cristiano Ronaldo. At 40, starting his sixth World Cup, every misplaced touch gets amplified. Dalot wasn't having it.
"Everybody is aware of Cristiano's ability to deal with criticism," he said. "Pressure is a part of a competition at this level. Our opinion of him hasn't changed — he will always be ready to help and represent his nation."
Whether Ronaldo can still influence a tournament at this level is a legitimate question. But Portugal clearly aren't entertaining that debate internally. The squad has reportedly cut itself off from social media criticism entirely — a decision made before the tournament even started, Dalot revealed, specifically because of the scrutiny that comes with having Ronaldo on the team.
Portugal need a win against Uzbekistan
The talk is fine. Tuesday's match against Uzbekistan is what matters. A second dropped result in Group K would turn the background noise into something louder and harder to manage, and it would shorten Portugal's odds of progressing as group winners considerably.
Dalot's one genuinely useful point amid the defiance: "The positive aspect is that it happened early. The earlier the setbacks, the easier it is to kill that theme and move on."
He's right — but only if they actually win.
