Portugal will need all of Ronaldo's powers if they are to progress to the World Cup last 16
Cristiano Ronaldo
has admitted Portugal are an "average" squad who cannot win the 2014
World Cup, after a stoppage-time equaliser from Silvestre Varela
narrowly kept their hopes of reaching the knockout phase alive.
Having been embarrassed 4-0 by Germany in their opening match in Brazil, defeat last night would have completely ended their campaign - and even victory in their final match with Ghana could well prove to be fruitless.
The Germans and the US both have four points after a win and a draw apiece in their opening two games, meaning a draw between the two sides in the final encounter will eliminate Ronaldo's Portugal from the competition.
LOW EXPECTATIONS
But the Real Madrid star has admitted he never expected to lead his team to glory in South America this summer.
"Maybe we're an average team," he said, according to Goal.
"It would be a lie to say that we are a 'top' team. We have many limitations and suffer from injuries such as with Pepe and Fabio Coentrao.
"This limits us a lot. We have a very limited team and we are not at the best level. This does not enable you to beat top teams.
"There are no miracles. We knew we would have a tough group, with perhaps teams better than us. I never thought we could be world champions, we have to be humble and know our level. I'm not a hypocrite, I never thought we could win the tournament."
- Cristiano Ronaldo has become the sulker of the World Cup
- Silvestre Varela rescues Portugal in stoppage-time
Despite his admission, he will be desperate to do everything within his powers to ensure his Portugal side get the right result against an unpredictable Ghanaian outfit that lost their opening match against Jurgen Klinsmann's USA before coming within touching distance of a spectacular shock victory over Germany Saturday night.
NO EXCUSES
Ronaldo though, who has been suffering with a knee injury since the end of gruelling domestic season, has refused to use his personal health as an excuse.
"I don't want to justify myself by talking about my physical problems, that's water under the bridge," he added.
"I'm here, I'm fighting, I'm trying to do my best, I'm running, and obviously it's no use talking about my issues.
"Every day there's something new in the papers about my knee, and about this and that. That's why I don't want to justify myself. I'm here body and soul to help the national team."
Group G's final round of fixtures will kick off on Thursday as all four teams go in search of qualification for the last 16.
Having been embarrassed 4-0 by Germany in their opening match in Brazil, defeat last night would have completely ended their campaign - and even victory in their final match with Ghana could well prove to be fruitless.
The Germans and the US both have four points after a win and a draw apiece in their opening two games, meaning a draw between the two sides in the final encounter will eliminate Ronaldo's Portugal from the competition.
LOW EXPECTATIONS
But the Real Madrid star has admitted he never expected to lead his team to glory in South America this summer.
"Maybe we're an average team," he said, according to Goal.
"It would be a lie to say that we are a 'top' team. We have many limitations and suffer from injuries such as with Pepe and Fabio Coentrao.
"This limits us a lot. We have a very limited team and we are not at the best level. This does not enable you to beat top teams.
"There are no miracles. We knew we would have a tough group, with perhaps teams better than us. I never thought we could be world champions, we have to be humble and know our level. I'm not a hypocrite, I never thought we could win the tournament."
- Cristiano Ronaldo has become the sulker of the World Cup
- Silvestre Varela rescues Portugal in stoppage-time
Despite his admission, he will be desperate to do everything within his powers to ensure his Portugal side get the right result against an unpredictable Ghanaian outfit that lost their opening match against Jurgen Klinsmann's USA before coming within touching distance of a spectacular shock victory over Germany Saturday night.
NO EXCUSES
Ronaldo though, who has been suffering with a knee injury since the end of gruelling domestic season, has refused to use his personal health as an excuse.
"I don't want to justify myself by talking about my physical problems, that's water under the bridge," he added.
"I'm here, I'm fighting, I'm trying to do my best, I'm running, and obviously it's no use talking about my issues.
"Every day there's something new in the papers about my knee, and about this and that. That's why I don't want to justify myself. I'm here body and soul to help the national team."
Group G's final round of fixtures will kick off on Thursday as all four teams go in search of qualification for the last 16.
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