Cristiano Ronaldo labored through Portugal's 0-0 draw with Colombia in brutal Miami heat, raising serious questions about his workload. The 41-year-old played every minute of the group stage, totaling roughly 300 minutes including stoppage time, while posting dismal expected goals of 0.17 and expected assists of 0.03 in the Colombia match.

Coach Roberto Martínez has refused to rest his captain despite clear fatigue, leaving Gonçalo Ramos on the bench while Ronaldo moved like an aging striker in the second half. Other World Cup stars like Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi received strategic rest from their coaches, recognizing the tournament's demands.

Portugal's failure to secure top spot in Group K means they likely face Spain in the round of 16 if they advance past Croatia. Martínez insists Ronaldo can handle 90 minutes, claiming the team shares minutes among 21 outfield players, but the numbers tell a different story.

This stubborn loyalty to a legend could cost Portugal dearly. An immobile Ronaldo against Spain's high-octane attack makes little tactical sense, yet Martínez shows no sign of adjusting his approach despite the mounting evidence.