Portugal's hopes aided by Ronaldo's extra rest
PORTUGAL has received assistance from Real Madrid in its quest for a first World Cup title, even though it plays Spain in the opening game.
By allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to sit out less meaningful matches, Madrid's management of the 33-year-old forward in the twilight of his career means he should not be worn out in Russia.
The five-time world player of the year is leading a squad that broke through to win its first major title at the 2016 European Championship.
"Ronaldo is crucial," Portugal coach Fernando Santos said, "but we know that to win we need to play well as a team."
Santos accepts that Portugal is not
among the leading contenders for the title in Russia, even though there's a familiar look about the squad. From the team that started in the final against France two years ago, only Nani and Renato Sanches will not make it to Russia.
After a slow start to the season, Ronaldo has rediscovered his scoring consistency at Real Madrid since January.
Leading the attack with Ronaldo is likely to be 22-year-old Andre Silva, who made his tournament debut last year at the Confederations Cup when Portugal finished third.
Gelson Martins and Goncalo Guedes drifted in and out of the team in the last two years but made into the World Cup squad, as did veteran Ricardo Quaresma. AP