Ronaldo fit for friendly versus China
Source: Agencies |
March 3, 2010, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
CRISTIANO Ronaldo returns for Portugal in today's friendly game against China after an ankle injury kept him out of his country's last three matches.
The Real Madrid forward sees the game as a valuable test against Asian tactics ahead of a World Cup encounter with North Korea.
"China plays in a similar way to North Korea so it'll be good for us to have a look at them," Ronaldo said.
Ronaldo last appeared for Portugal four months ago in a World Cup qualifier against Hungary. He missed playoffs against Bosnia-Herzegovina which sent Portugal into the tournament in South Africa after a faltering campaign that included a four-game winless streak.
Portugal, currently ranked fifth in the world, was a semifinalist at the 2006 World Cup in Germany but Ronaldo's failure to find the net during qualifying contributed to Portuguese difficulties.
"We want to advance deep into the World Cup and, if we can, do better than we did four years ago," Ronaldo said. "We have a great team and we're able to win any match we play in."
Portugal is in World Cup Group G along with Brazil and Ivory Coast as well as North Korea.
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz still has some key positions to fill before his May 9 squad announcement.
The former Manchester United assistant coach has so far favored Braga's Eduardo in goal despite a strong claim by in-form Benfica 'keeper Quim. Chelsea's Hilario is also hopeful of making the trip to South Africa though he has yet to make his debut.
The left-back position has long been up for grabs. Queiroz has kept faith with Malaga's Duda, though Benfica's left-sided midfielder Fabio Coentrao can also play there.
In the forward line, Portugal is looking for someone to deputize for Brazilian-born Liedson. Werder Bremen striker Hugo Almeida has been dogged by injury but could feature against the Chinese. Queiroz has handed FC Porto striker Silvestre Varela his first call-up.
Ronaldo may be deployed further forward and in the middle, leaving Manchester United's Nani to occupy the right flank.
The Real Madrid forward sees the game as a valuable test against Asian tactics ahead of a World Cup encounter with North Korea.
"China plays in a similar way to North Korea so it'll be good for us to have a look at them," Ronaldo said.
Ronaldo last appeared for Portugal four months ago in a World Cup qualifier against Hungary. He missed playoffs against Bosnia-Herzegovina which sent Portugal into the tournament in South Africa after a faltering campaign that included a four-game winless streak.
Portugal, currently ranked fifth in the world, was a semifinalist at the 2006 World Cup in Germany but Ronaldo's failure to find the net during qualifying contributed to Portuguese difficulties.
"We want to advance deep into the World Cup and, if we can, do better than we did four years ago," Ronaldo said. "We have a great team and we're able to win any match we play in."
Portugal is in World Cup Group G along with Brazil and Ivory Coast as well as North Korea.
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz still has some key positions to fill before his May 9 squad announcement.
The former Manchester United assistant coach has so far favored Braga's Eduardo in goal despite a strong claim by in-form Benfica 'keeper Quim. Chelsea's Hilario is also hopeful of making the trip to South Africa though he has yet to make his debut.
The left-back position has long been up for grabs. Queiroz has kept faith with Malaga's Duda, though Benfica's left-sided midfielder Fabio Coentrao can also play there.
In the forward line, Portugal is looking for someone to deputize for Brazilian-born Liedson. Werder Bremen striker Hugo Almeida has been dogged by injury but could feature against the Chinese. Queiroz has handed FC Porto striker Silvestre Varela his first call-up.
Ronaldo may be deployed further forward and in the middle, leaving Manchester United's Nani to occupy the right flank.
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