Ronaldo (R) of Portugal moves the ball against the Republic of Ireland during an international friendly match on June 10, 2014 at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. PHOTO: AFP
The Real Madrid striker, who missed his country’s previous two warm-up games because of thigh and knee injuries, was not at his brilliant best for long periods of a one-sided friendly in the US.
But coach Paulo Bento was just relieved to see his captain and talisman back after an injury layoff that had sparked fears that Ronaldo might not be fit for Brazil.
Ronaldo was substituted on 65 minutes, but it appeared to have been a planned change and there was no indication that he was suffering any ill effects from his injury problems.
He was replaced by Real teammate Pepe, a key defender and another whose World Cup preparations have been badly hindered by injury.
“Ronaldo played a good match, especially when considering that he has not played competitively for two weeks,” said Bento.
“Players like him are important for any team, and that is the case with us too. It’s good to have him back.”
Portugal start their World Cup assault against Germany on June 16 in Group G – the so-called ‘Group of Death’ – which also includes the US and Ghana.
Raul Meireles also returned to the side after injury, giving Bento a full squad to choose from for the first time in the build-up to Brazil.
“The players are all fit and we have no concerns,” said Bento. “That’s very positive.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 12th, 2014.
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