Germany will take on Portugal in today’s blockbuster fixture at Arena Fonte Nova and despite struggling with injuries Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that he will be ready to face the three time world champions when the two sides meet later today.
The former Man United man guided Real Madrid to their tenth Champions League title but has been since then struggling with both tendinosis and a thigh problem which forced him out of the national team’s training session twice.
However the 29 year old is confident that he can put any doubts over his fitness to rest and help his team score a memorable victory over what is a very strong German side on paper.
"The [fitness] problems are all in the past," he told reporters after training at Arena Fonte Nova on Sunday.
"Since the start of my career there's not been one single day in which I've played without pain. It's just the burden of my work.
"Obviously I’d like to be at 110 per cent but I’m still at 100 per cent and I think that’s enough to help that national team."
Ronaldo’s absence will be massively detrimental to Portugal’s progression in the illustrious tournament, but the Seleccao star has dismissed claims that his side is over reliant on him and is hoping for a good team effort when Portugal face Joachim Löw’s side.
"I don't believe that one player makes a team," the 29 year old said.
"As I’ve said many times before, I’m just here to help. I can make a different in some games but I can’t carry the team on my back.
"So, let’s just go one step at a time. Tomorrow [Monday] we are playing one of the favourites, a team we respect greatly."
"We’re not one of the favourites but I think that’s good for us. It will allow us to give our best.”
Despite boasting a commendable record in club football, the Real Madrid ace has not lived upto his lofty standards as far as the World Cup is concerned. The Ballon d’or winner has managed just two goals in ten World Cup appearances which came against the likes of Iran and North Korea. The Portuguese international has achieved almost everything club football has on offering but many people are of the opinion that in order to be recognized as an all time great Ronaldo will have to put up a better showing at the World Cup as well.
Ronaldo on the other hand refused to pay heed to any such claims and has reiterated that he is not under any kind of pressure and will enjoy the tournament as much as he can.
"I don't feel I have anything to prove," Ronaldo stated. "I've already had a great career.
"And, for me, the pressure is something that pushes me on. I’m someone who likes challenges. I like to do my best, in La Liga, the Champions League etc. This is just a new challenge.
"Football is my life and I play it with a lot of passion. And that's why I seek my own new challenges.
"Now I’m in the World Cup and what I want to do is enjoy myself."
