Portugal will play its first World Cup match in the US today, with the team set to go up against the Democratic Republic of Congo at 1pm ET (6pm BST), a fixture fans are eagerly anticipating.
The team’s manager, Roberto Martinez, has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as the “killer” who can lead Portugal’s assault on the World Cup. Ronaldo will be taking part in a record equalling sixth tournament of his glorious career. At the age of 41, some people have questioned if his influence on the team is still as crucial or impactful.
But Martinez has rubbished suggestions Ronaldo can no longer produce the goods at the highest level – and reckons one of the icons of the game remains as ruthless and lethal as ever. Portugal open their World Cup campaign against DR Congo in Houston.
Martinez said: “He’s a role model. An iconic player in global football to young athletes and children, male and female, who start feeling the love for football on the streets. It might be is sixth World Cup, but it feels like his first when it comes to his intensity and emotions.
“He is ready to lead the group and is so essential. He’s the striker, he’s a killer. He’s a player with excellent numbers. He’s ready.” Martinez, meanwhile has refused to confirm if he will continue as Portugal manager following the World Cup. Martinez’s contract runs out next month and speculation is mounting he will stand down.
Martinez added: “This is not news. We talked about it a lot in Portugal. It might be news here, but not in back in Portugal. The focus is to prepare for the World Cup. I deal with this very naturally. My contract ends. It’s not news, this is just a fact.”
