Detroit Jock City
Fansided

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo Set To Play Against The United States

By Nate Williams

facebooktwitterreddit

June 16, 2014; Salvador, BRAZIL; Portugal player Cristiano Ronaldo (7) goes up for the ball in front of Germany player Jerome Boateng (20) during Group G play during the 2014 World Cup at Arena Fonte Nova. Mandatory Credit: Tim Groothuis/Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo is now expected to play for Portugal against the United States in Sunday’s crucial Group G World Cup match.

The world player of the year has been battling a lingering knee issue since arriving in Brazil, but he trained normally Saturday and is expected to start Sunday.

Backup goalkeeper Beto said the Real Madrid star would be ready for the showdown with the United States in Manaus.

"“Cristiano is 100 percent fit to play. Every match, if he starts to play, it is because he is fit to play, he’s ready to play,” Beto insisted. “He loves football but his body is the most important thing for him . . . so if he starts a match he is ready, he is fit, so I don’t think that is a problem.”"

Beto also said the 29-year-old Real Madrid forward was “sick of reading things about him that are not true.”

Portugal lost its opening match to Germany 4-0, and another loss on Sunday will mean immediate elimination from the World Cup. If Ronaldo is not 100 percent healthy for the match at the Arena da Amazonia, an already undermanned Portugal could struggle to earn the three points needed to stay in the tournament.

The Americans on the other hand, won their opening game and can secure a spot in the second round with another victory.

Live Feed

Canadian legend and all-time leading goal scorer Christine Sinclair retires
Canadian legend and all-time leading goal scorer Christine Sinclair retires /

FanSided

  • Report: Borussia Dortmund planning to hold contract extension talks with Paris Brunner soonBVB Buzz
  • Didier Deschamps slightly concerned with France's EURO 2024 drawPSG Post
  • Manchester City: December 2023 Preview Man City Square
  • Explosive Revelations: Messi and Scaloni's Clash at MaracanáPlaying for 90
  • Paris Brunner winner fires Germany into U-17 World Cup semifinalsBVB Buzz

    • As usual when Ronaldo plays, though, the outcome of the match can be easily swayed by a moment of brilliance from the Real Madrid winger.

    Nonetheless, even with Ronaldo on the field, Portugal will be short-handed.

    Defender Fabio Coentrao, Ronaldo’s teammate at Real Madrid, and striker Hugo Almeida have been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup with injuries. Pepe, another Real Madrid defender, is suspended.

    The match will be the third to be played in the heat and humidity at the Arena da Amazonia in Manaus, the most exotic of the 12 World Cup venues.

    Despite having more talent and being the favorites to win, Portugal has a habit of struggling against determined underdogs like the U.S.

    All World Cup matches are broadcast live on ABC and ESPN/ESPN2. Games are also streamed online via WatchABC and WatchESPN. The tournament will end on July 13 with the championship game in Rio de Janeiro.

    Home/Detroit Sports