Reaching South Africa, a wish or a reality?

Travelling to South Africa is part of Ronaldo’s dream. The Portuguese ace was left out of Manchester United’s squads in their two trips to the country in the past couple of years and his vision of South Africa only builds itself on his team mates’ descriptions.

Speaking at an interview with Kick Off at Old Trafford, as Nike’s Mercurial Vapor Superfly boot was being launched, Ronaldo answered editor Neil Greg’s question concerning what he knew about Mzansi :

“Last season Manchester United went there and the lads say it is an unbelievable place to go. I hope to go there one day too.”

Obviously, Ronaldo’s wish could come true when the World Cup takes place in 2010. The question now remains: Will Portugal even qualify to the finals?

With only four points from a possible 16 and seating third in the qualification table, Portugal’s hopes of reaching South Africa are in doubts.

Coach Carlos Queiroz hasn’t enjoyed the best of luck since his appointment back in August 2008.
Now the boss believes that Portugal’s unconvincing form is due to the players’ lack of commitment.

“They have to perform better. There is no reason for him [Cristiano Ronaldo], Nani, Simão, Maniche or Tiago not to do for the national team what they do for their clubs,” Queiroz said during the 20th anniversary dinner for the Portugal U-19 team that won the Youth World Cup in Riyadh in 1989.

“There is no reason for that not to happen,” the boss concluded.

Cristiano Ronaldo, now the skipper of the Portuguese national team is yet to spread his total influence amongst the rest of the lads and strengthen the squad both mentally and physically.

With the qualification stages reaching its crucial point, he must make sure that travelling to South Africa isn’t only a wish but a dream come true.

Written by: Angela Asante

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