Real Madrid star man Cristiano Ronaldo has said Portugal have been very average at the World Cup and don’t deserve to go far in the tournament.
The 29-year-old played in his country’s draw with the USA on Sunday night as Portugal salvaged a point in the final minute of the match. Having lost their opening match to Germany, Paulo Bento’s side are facing a real fight on their hands to go through to the last 16.
The need Germany to beat USA, and must win against Ghana in their final group game later this week. They must also achieve a six goal swing to overhaul the Americans into second place.
Ronaldo has looked off the pace in the tournament, still suffering the effects of the tendinitis problem he had towards the end of the campaign with Real Madrid. His performance against USA was better than against Germany, and he set up the last minute equaliser with a teasing cross.
But after the match the Ballon d’Or winner, who scored more than 50 goals for his club last season – the fourth consecutive year he has done so – said Portugal have not been up to the task so far.
“Maybe we are an average team. It would be a lie to say that we are a top team. We have a very limited team and we are not at the best level,” he was quoted by the Daily Mail.
“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 am not a hypocrite — I never thought we could be world champions, we have to be humble and know our level,” he added.
