Cristiano Ronaldo 'not trusted by Portugal players' as controversy mars win over Czech Republic

Ronaldo started up top for Roberto Martinez's side on Tuesday, with a late goal from Francisco Conceicao giving Portugal all three points.

However, the forward was unable to score for his nation and sometimes cut a frustrated figure in attack.

At half time, Pearce suggested some Portugal players didn't appear to entirely trust Ronaldo.

The forward is one of the best footballers of all time after scoring goals galore for the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Sporting Lisbon during his career.

Yet Pearce, speaking on talkSPORT, said: This might sound ridiculous, but [maybe] they don't trust Ronaldo enough to keep supplying him with the ball, that type of thing."

When asked to elaborate, he continued: "There's been times in the games where he's shown to feet and they've not popped the ball into his feet.

JUST IN:Cristiano Ronaldo makes feelings clear after causing controversy in Portugal win over Czech Republic

"There was one with Bernardo Silva, it was one of these rogue passes [by Czech Republic] that got cut out.

"Bernardo Silva had it in the centre circle, Ronaldo peeled off in an inside-right position.

"I'm thinking, 'If this was ten years ago, you slide it in front of him and you know full well he's going to get there and score.'

"He [Silva] denied the pass, and I found that quite strange."

READ MORE:BBC staff furious at latest Gary Lineker 'rule breach' with broadcaster accused of 'turning a blind eye'

While Ronaldo failed to score, he did spark controversy by appearing to mock Czech Republic goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek following Portugal's late goal.

The 39-year-old appeared to fist bump in the face of the Slavia Prague goalkeeper.

But Ronaldo has since taken to social media to express his delight with the result.

Portugal won all of their games while qualifying for Euro 2024 and, with one win already secured, will be dreaming of going all the way.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

• Gary Lineker makes feelings clear on Erik ten Hag controversy after awkward interview with Man Utd boss
• England boss Gareth Southgate facing chaos due to WAG drama as Euro 2024 clash with Denmark looms
• Jude Bellingham receives message from Paul Gascoigne ahead of crunch England clash with Denmark

And manager Martinez was delighted at the fight his side showed as they started their campaign in Germany with the best result possible.

“We didn’t expect easy games," he said. "We played against a spirited Czechia, they were very hard and they were very clinical; had one shot on target and they scored.

“It was also a test of character. You look at the stats, 70 per cent of possession, 13 corners; you see a lot of good work.

“But when we were losing 1-0, we had to control the nerves and I think that the character that we showed today was incredible, something that will help us a lot.

“We won the game. We need to value what we did well as well; we defended very, very well.

“When you limit Czechia to no corners and just one shot on target, I think we can build a lot on the good things that we did today.”

Portugal are next in action against Turkey on Saturday (5pm).

Turkey beat Georgia 3-1 in their own Group F Euros opener on Tuesday with Mert Muldur, Arda Guler and Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu all finding the net.