FERGIE PAL: RON MAGIC TO SEAL IT

CARLOS QUEIROZ has claimed Portugal have the “magic formula” to win the World Cup – Cristiano Ronaldo.

Iran boss Queiroz was Sir Alex Ferguson’s No.2 during Ronaldo’s days at Manchester United before he was sold to Real Madrid for £80million.

But the pair, who meet today in Saransk, have since fallen out after a row in which the former Portugal coach blamed Ronaldo for the country’s 2010 World Cup exit against Spain.

They’ve not spoken for eight years but Queiroz believes Ronaldo can win the World Cup in Russia to add to Portugal’s Euro 2016 success.

“Portugal has the magic formula to win the World Cup, which is to have a great team and a player like Ronaldo,” said Queiroz.

“There is always a Maradona, a Bobby Charlton, a player in a great team who makes a difference. For Portugal that is Ronaldo.”

Ronaldo has carried Portugal almost singlehandedly in their Group B games, scoring a hat-trick in the opening 3-3 draw with Spain and the only goal in a 1-0 win over Morocco.

But if Iran win and Spain beat Morocco they would be heading home.