Ronaldo keeping his focus

JOAO MOUTINHO says Portugal will not be fazed by the Spain soap opera.

The Iberian derby was always going to be one of the biggest matches of the group stages.

But Spain’s decision to sack head coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the tournament has made the clash even more mouth-watering.

But Monaco midfielder Moutinho said: “We all believe this is not going to influence one side or the other.

“We are focused and united and not concerned with anything else.

“That’s it. We’re not looking at what’s happening with the other teams or what’s going on outside our team.

“We are a very united, strong and focused group. We know the responsibility we’re facing and we’re ready.”

Cristiano Ronaldo will lead out the European champions in Sochi tonight and coach Fernando Santos heaped praise on the Real Madrid superstar.

He said: “He’s an extraordinary captain and player. He is a very positive influence as captain of the team on and off the pitch – and in practice too.

“But more important than him is the team and he deals very well with the notion of ‘us’.”

Portugal have no major injury worries but are battling to overcome a poor record in the opening match of major tournaments, not having won one since 2008.