As Ronaldo puts up a brave face for his scoring draught, North Korea better watch out
As Ronaldo puts up a brave face for his scoring draught, North Korea better watch out
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| Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo Pic/gettyimages |
That has intensified recently with the prolific Real Madrid forward enduring a barren spell for his country, which continued in last week's goalless draw against Ivory Coast in their World Cup opener.
Carlos Queiroz's side take on North Korea in Cape Town today in their second Group G clash desperate to secure their first victory of the tournament but Ronaldo ufffd whose last competitive goal was at Euro championships in 2008 ufffd has attempted to play down the pressure he is under.
Two years, no goal
"I haven't scored in two years for Portugal," he said. "I hope to score tomorrow.
"I'm not concerned with that aspect, the goals will come, today, tomorrow or in a few years' time. I have faith in my coach and my team-mates and if I don't score, it's not the end of the world.
"I've always scored goals and they will come at the right time."
The former Manchester United star who scored 42 goals in the 2007-08 season for the Premier League side added: "I'm not frustrated.
"I feel very good, I'm happy. The atmosphere in the squad is brilliant, to be honest. Maybe I'll score tomorrow, I don't know."
Ronaldo will take on North Korea without fellow creative talisman Deco, who has been ruled out with a left hip problem which should be cured by the time Portugal face Brazil.
"Obviously Deco is always an important piece in the chess game," Ronaldo admitted.
Queiroz has no other injury concerns ahead of the match and is likely to call upon Tiago or Simao to take Deco's place.
"Our medical team this morning assessed Deco's situation, he didn't train with us and he will not be able to play for us tomorrow, but we want to prepare him to play against Brazil," said the coach.
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