Cristiano Ronaldo is named in World Cup’s WORST XI of the group stage, according to damning stats
CRISTIANO RONALDO has been named in the World Cup's WORST XI of the group stages.
The free agent scored Portugal's first goal of the tournament against Ghana, but has contributed little since.
And even that was a penalty.
Ronaldo thought he netted in the victory over Uruguay, but his effort was eventually awarded to Bruno Fernandes despite the ex-Manchester United star wheeling away in celebration.
He then rounded off the group stages with another underwhelming showing against South Korea.
The 37-year-old registered just one shot and had only 26 touches as Portugal suffered a shock defeat.
READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
As a result, he was named in Sofascore's WORST team of the groups, with his with an average rating across his three outings a disappointing of 6.37.
But Gary Lineker did not agree with the Ronaldo criticism, replying to the "worst team" on by saying: "By who? Absurd nonsense."
Qatar's Meshaal Barsham is between the sticks, while the back four is made up of Francisco Calvo and Oscar Duarte, Costa Rica's centre-backs, and Homam Ahmed and Alistair Johnston.
Abdulelah Al-Malki and Karim Boudiaf make up the heart of midfield and are joined out wide by another Canadian Tajon Buchanan, and Mathew Leckie.
Most read in football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
Ronaldo is up front alongisde Qatar's Almoez Ali.
Despite Ronaldo's questionable form, his side still won Group H to set up a last-16 tie with Switzerland.
Portugal will be expected to progress, but they'll need far more from the forward, who's cut a frustrated figure for much of the World Cup so far.