Portuguese fans mourned Figo’s departure but their sorrows will soon be over. Cristiano Ronaldo is now the captain of the Portuguese senior national team and he is on the brink of being an infamous leader.

Cristiano Ronaldo captained his team far away in Sweden last week in a game that ended goalless. But the score line does not reflect the real face of the match. The Portuguese squad displayed a convincing performance, which proved the strength of a good team spirit, and credits should be given to the Swedish defence if Portugal were unable to break the dead lock.

Carlos Queiroz spoke after the game and the new coach was full of praise for Cristiano Ronaldo who played his first game for Portugal since returning from injury.

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He described the 23 year old Superstar as a good example to others adding that Ronaldo was the image of a determined leader.

Queiroz was happy to have Cristiano back and fit. He boasted of Portugal’s ability to avoid defeat in spite of the absence of several big players including Carvalho, Deco, or even Simao.

Like his ‘son’ Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Queiroz is 100% confident that Portugal will qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Portugal lay 3rd in the table with 4 points, behind Denmark and Sweden who have 7 points and 5 points out of three games respectively.

Ronaldo will lead Portugal tonight as they host unconfident Albania in Braga, in an encounter where the home fans will feel the influence of skipper Cristiano Ronaldo.

Written by: Angela Asante