Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo confident of taking Portugal beyond the first round
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo confident of taking Portugal beyond the first round
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has declared his side faces the toughest group at the forthcoming World Cup finals in South Africa, but he is confident they have what it takes to progress beyond the first round of the competition and possibly into the latter stages.
The Real Madrid star has identified Portugal's opener against Ivory Coast on June 15 as a massive game and one where a win can put them in a strong position with the rest of the tournament in mind.
Portugal, Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea make up Group G. "I believe that the group that fell to Portugal is the most difficult. The first match with Ivory Coast, will be crucial. We have to win it because it's important to start with a win, but I have no doubt that we have chances to progress.
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It will not be easy, I repeat, but we can overcome the group stage," he told AS. Ronaldo also said that Spain have to be considered favourites but added that he has no fears about playing the European champions in the knockout stages of the competition.
"We must respect Spain, it's enough to say that they are one of my favourites. Brazil, England, Argentina and Germany are the leading candidates. Playing Spain would mean we passed through the group stage.
But the first obstacle is the Ivory Coast. If we win that game, we would have a 50 per cent chance of getting into the next phase."
