27 June,2026 09:06 AM IST | Miami | Agencies
Cristiano Ronaldo (right) at a training session on Thursday. Pic/AFP
Portugal forward Pedro Neto has full confidence in skipper Cristiano Ronaldo's chances of adding to his World Cup tally when they face Colombia in a vital Group âK' clash here on Saturday.
After a disappointing display in the 1-1 draw against DR Congo, Ronaldo bounced back to score two goals in the 5-0 rout of Uzbekistan. While Portugal will most certainly go through to the knockouts even if they lose to Colombia, a win will help them finish atop their group, giving them a slightly easier opponent in the last 32.
"I think Cristiano is very important for us. If we get the ball to him in the penalty box, there's a high probability he will score. We have complete confidence in him," said Neto.
However, the Chelsea winger was quick to add that they are not over-reliant on the 41-year legend.
"I think the word rely is too strong. We certainly create goal-scoring opportunities for every single player on the pitch," he added.
Meanwhile, with six points from their first two games, Colombia are already guaranteed a berth in the knockouts. They are a versatile side who came into the tournament in good form. With the likes of a red-hot Luis Diaz in attack, the marauding full-back Daniel Munoz, and veteran midfielder James Rodriguez, they have the firepower to defeat Portugal. This leads Neto to believe they'll have an intense battle on their hands. "It'll be a lively game. Personally, I like that style of match, and I think people are expecting a great spectacle, and that's what we'll try to give them. I'd be lying if I said we didn't look at what could happen if we finished second or third, but the mentality we have is always to be the best," added Neto.
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