Portugal 7:0 North Korea

Portugal 2:0 China

Goals in each half from Hugo Almeida and Liedson gave Portugal a 2-0 win over China in a pre-World Cup friendly on Wednesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo, playing his first game for Portugal after missing three matches through injury, counter-attacked down the left flank and sent over a low cross for Almeida to sidefoot home in the 36th minute.

Liedson added Portugal’s second in the last minute, deflecting a Joao Moutinho shot into the net.

Portugal 1:0 Bosnia; Cris was cheering for Portugal in the stands of the Stadium of Light

No one is more sad than me

The Portuguese midfielder said he will be in the stadium supporting their colleagues against Bosnia.

Cristiano Ronaldo wished he could play the play-offs with the Portugal: “the result was not what I wanted, but it was what I expected. It is a great disappointment not being able to help Portugal, especially in such a crucial moment will be like this play-off to Bosnia,” he told Gestifute.

“Nobody at this moment feels more sad then me because Portugal will always represent one of the greatest pride that I feel as a professional footballer and as a citizen, but I have no choice,” he added.

Cristiano Ronaldo said that on Saturday he will be present at the Stadium of Light to “suffer and vibrate with our selection.” “I’ll be at the stadium to support my teammates. I’m sure keeping it that we have shown the spirit and unity, humility and a sense of mutual support, the quality of our football will overcome all and at the end I will be in the locker room with them, celebrating the first of two steps towards the World Cup. And I have no doubt that we’ll be there! “, ended the Portuguese midfielder.

Cris out of World Cup play-off

Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the two-legged World Cup playoff against Bosnia, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said in a statement on Tuesday.

Ronaldo has not recovered from an ankle injury and will not play in the game in Lisbon on Saturday and in Zenica four days later.

"After a clinical evaluation, it was concluded that the player does not meet the physical conditions to join the national squad training for the (Bosnia playoff) matches," the FPF said.

Real Madrid's world record signing suffered the injury in late September which was aggravated in Portugal's 3-0 win over Hungary 10 days later and he has not played since.

Real had said earlier on Tuesday that Ronaldo would travel to Portugal to be examined by national team doctors, after complaining about coach Carlos Queiroz's decision to call him up.

The club said last Friday that Ronaldo needed two more weeks of treatment. Director general Jorge Valdano had said playing him now would be a serious mistake.

Queiroz denied there was a row with Real over whether the winger should play.

"The steps are simple - there is a call up, an evaluation, a decision, and then life goes on," Queiroz told a news conference.

The man in the middle

Cristiano Ronaldo is in the centre of a club v country feud after learning his ankle injury will not need surgery.

The Real Madrid star had feared he would be ruled out for three months, but has in fact been given a chance to making the 'Clasico' against Barcelona on November 29.

Dutch specialist Professor Niek van Dijk has concluded that Ronaldo needs two more weeks of treatment before he can be reassessed in Amsterdam, say the Spanish club.

But Portugal are said to be ready to call-up the former Manchester United star for their two-leg World Cup qualification play-off on November 14 and 18, which has enraged the Spaniards.

Madrid are still smarting after Ronaldo aggravated his ankle injury when deployed for his country against Hungary last month.

Bernabeu sporting director Jorge Valdano said: 'They can call up whoever they want, but Cristiano is on sick leave.

'We would have been the first ones to use him if he's been available in recent games. If we haven't used him, it's for a reason.

'We hope to have no problem in this regard because the medical report is clear.'

However, the president of the Portuguese FA, Gilberto Madail, said: 'Ronaldo wants to play, he will join the squad and will be examined by the medical team.

'The situation is under control as there have been contacts between our coach, the Real Madrid coach, the player and the medical departments.'

Cris keep WC dream alive

Cristiano Ronaldo was handed the chance to play in South Africa next summer when Portugal completed the first phase of their improbable qualification revival, defeating Malta 4-0 on Wednesday night to secure a place in the World Cup play-offs.

A short message from Cristiano to the Portuguese national team

I wished with all my heart to fight for Portugal with you all, but as you know an untimely injury prevents me from doing so.

Your great challenge for this evening is to play a great game to take us to the South Africa World Cup; mine is to recover as soon as possible to help my team, Real Madrid, and our national team to achieve the goals they have set for themselves. I have to fight to recover because I believe that’s the best thing I can do to help the national team whenever it needs me. I want you to know that my heart will be with you in every minute of tonight’s game and that I will be proud of your efforts, just like everyone else in Portugal will be.

I wish you all the best.

Cris miss Malta game

Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out of Portugal's final World Cup Group One qualifier against Malta on Wednesday after he aggravated an ankle injury in Saturday's 3-0 win over Hungary.

Portugal are second in the group and will secure a playoff berth if they beat Malta at home.

The Real Madrid forward sprained his right ankle in a Champions League match against Olympique Marseille last month and limped off in the 27th minute on Saturday before returning to the Spanish capital for treatment.

"Due to his failure to recover from the injury he has suffered to his right ankle, Cristiano Ronaldo was given permission to leave the Portugal national squad," the Portuguese soccer federation said on its website (www.fpf.pt) on Sunday.

"Therefore, (he) is unable play the team's next match... against Malta."

Ronaldo had shown signs of recovery ahead of the Hungary match and on Friday told reporters he was almost fully fit.

Cris injured during Portugal's win over Hungary

Portugal may have beaten Hungary 3-0, but it was not all good news, with Cristiano Ronaldo limping off after half an hour...

Real Madrid and Portugal fans will be anxiously awaiting further news after Cristiano Ronaldo was forced to withdraw from the game against Hungary.

The Portuguese captain lasted just 30 minutes in Lisbon, asking to be replaced after his ankle injury worsened. He had already made an impact, providing an assist for Simao's opening goal.

Ronaldo is unlikely to be fit for Portugal's midweek fixture against Malta, and it now remains to be seen whether he will be able to take part in Madrid's match against Real Valladolid next weekend, which is followed by a Champions League clash against AC Milan.

Portugal press conference

Cris fit to play for Portugal against Hungary

Cristiano Ronaldo has come through training with Portugal without any setbacks and will be ready to face Hungary on Saturday, according to AS.

Ronaldo missed Real Madrid's defeat to Sevilla on Sunday due to an ankle injury he picked up in Los Merengues 3-0 victory over Marseille in the UEFA Champions League last week and only returned to full training yesterday.

Such was Ronaldo's comfort with the ankle yesterday that a scheduled scan on his ankle was declined by Portuguese medical staff and he trained as normal with the squad.

His availability will be a welcome boost for coach Carlos Quieroz as his side prepare to face their final World Cup qualifiers against Hungary and Malta. Ronaldo has scored 22 times in 67 appearances for his country.

Portugal currently lie third in European Qualifying Group One, five points adrift of leaders Denmark, and two adrift of second placed Sweden. They must win both remaining fixtures to stand any chance of qualifying for the finals in South Africa next year.

Cristiano ready for Portugal return

After missing out on Real Madrid's 2-1 loss at the hands of Sevilla last night, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has today said that he is ready to return to the national team as soon as possible to participate in the decisive World Cup qualifiers next week.

Real Madrid's official website reported earlier that Ronaldo has traveled to Portugal with his medical documents for the Portuguese FA to assess, and that he will continue his rehabilitation in Portugal rather than return to Spain.

"I have recovered well. We'll see how things go but I think I'll be fine come Saturday," Ronaldo is quoted as saying by Fifa.com upon landing at the team's training camp in Obidos.

Portugal are currently third in their group with 13 points, five points behind leaders Denmark and two points behind second placed Sweden.

With Hungary on level points with Portugal, qualification seems to be a difficult prospect, but Ronaldo is having none of it. "If we don't believe we can qualify, it's not worth showing up to the national team," boomed the captain.

"Hungary are a physically strong team, but if Portugal play normally, then we will - and must - win."

Portugal can only qualify for the play-offs if Sweden lose to Denmark this coming Saturday, and if they win both of their remaining games against Hungary and Malta, respectively.

Portugal 1:1 Hungary, still have a chance

Portugal and world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo still have a chance to make it to next year's World Cup.

Pepe scored in the ninth minute, giving Portugal a 1-0 victory at Hungary on Wednesday night.

"There are still four candidates in the group, because with two more wins any of the teams can reach the World Cup," Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz said.

Portugal (3-1-4) is third on Europe Group One with 13 points, five behind Denmark (5-0-3) and two back of Sweden (4-3-1) but ahead of Hungary (4-3-1) on goal difference.

Portugal closes at home against Hungary on Oct. 10 and Malta four days later, while Denmark finishes at home against Sweden and Hungary. Sweden hosts Albania on Oct. 14.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese team captain, took the victory, this time, arrived in a less bright than the players wanted. "Against Denmark there had thirty opportunities and we could not score. Today we did not play as we should have done a beautiful game, but sometimes you have to play ugly and win and that's what happened. We must continue to dream to qualification. Today, our obligation was to win and we did. The players are happy with that, but there is still a long way to go." he admitted.

Portugal training in Hungary prepare for WCQ

Portugal 1:1 Denmark; Cris still believe

Cristiano Ronaldo, was disappointed after the match with Denmark referring to sadness by the result because"we have to make better value."

"Sometimes we have attained our goals, sometimes not. The team played well, created chances but miss more goals. We are sad because we know we have to make better value." Asked about the possibility of Portugal going into the South Africa World Cup, the end was clear, "do not depend on us, but we continue to believe."

Portugal training in Denmark prepare for WCQ

Portugal 2:1 Albania

A goal from Bruno Alves, already in the period of discounts, allows Canada to continue to dream of the presence in the World 2010. The center was the spearhead in the final of the encounter with Albania and believed until the end, ultimately making the goal of victory (1-2).
For those who knew only a victory interested, the team gave a display of machines very weak but managed 'in extremis' win three points which continue to dream. But be warned: you get to South Africa we must show more.

If we don't win to Albanis we don't deserve to go to the WorldCup

"We live under pressure, but it isn't from now, it is part of the job. The major players live with that pressure and we must give a positive response because we know that not all win the clearance is compromised. If you do not win in Albania ... not be in the World ", he stressed.

Upon arrival at the selection stage of the Portuguese, in Óbidos, Cristiano Ronaldo said, "the group is phenomenal and the coach is spectacular, and therefore those who come, it is always well received."

"I think we are the best team in the group. We have shown, it is true, but sometimes, the teams and clubs have their own ups and downs and that is what happened with us a few months ago, also due to a little luck, that is not the sky, looking up. I am hoping that we will improve and make goals to win, "he said.
Cristiano Ronaldo expect "difficulties" in Albania, noting that "with the new coach will try to give your best and try to win in Portugal."

"We have difficulties, but we are hoping that we will bring to three points, which is the goal. Now, we must be focused, work well this week and win the game to go on holiday rest, "he said.

Cristiano Ronaldo still not forgotten the defeat of Manchester United before the FC Barcelona by 2-0 in the final of the Champions League on Wednesday in Rome.
"It's complicated, it is clear that nobody likes to lose, I do not like to lose. When is a game that size it is clear that leaves marks, and left me and my colleagues. But part of football, "revealed.

On the possibility of acting as a point of encounter with launches in Albania, said that Cristiano Ronaldo plays "where to play."

"My original position is extreme, but where I play stuff, there is no problem. I am accustomed to me increasingly to play the point-of-spear. There is a position that I love, but little by little and little I 'm accustomed, "he concluded.

Portugal today began preparing to travel to Albania on Saturday in qualifying for the meeting Mundial2010. Four days later, the formation of "corners" closes the sports season, in particular, in Estonia.

I can't imagine myself out of the World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo, captain selection of Portugal, said that the way to zero tie against Sweden in the Stadium of the Dragon:

"I think we did everything to win, the team played well, the players ran, helped each other. Yesterday in training, we scored ten goals. Today we could not. Football is like that. As I said before, we did everything possible and impossible to mark. Sometimes the ball does not enter. I am sad by the result but pleased by the display. Today, what counts are the points, but we continue to believe. Penalty? The game is over, the referee does not marked, it is not worth talking about it. I still can't imagine myself out of the World Cup. The friendly game? It is always complicated, but it is a compromise. "