With just one point from their opening two games and an adverse goal difference, Portugal are on the cusp of joining England and Spain in falling at the first hurdle in Brazil.

However, if either of Germany or the USA lose and Paulo Bento’s side beat Ghana by a sufficient margin, Ronaldo and co could pinch second spot in Group G.

They will have to do so without Fabio Coentrao, who is still out with a hamstring complaint, but Pepe returns from suspension after he saw red against Germany.

Strikers Hugo Almeida and Helder Postiga are both struggling to reach full fitness so Eder may earn his first start of the tournament alongside Ronaldo, who is still nursing a knee problem – and not expecting fireworks.

[quote]

“Maybe we are an average team,” said the 2014 Ballon d’Or winner. “It would be a lie to say that we are a top team. We have a very limited team and we are not at the best level.

“This does not enable you to beat top teams. There are no miracles. We knew we would have a tough group, with perhaps teams better than us.

“I am not a hypocrite – I never thought we could be world champions, we have to be humble and know our level.”

[/quote]

Ghana are three goals better off than Portugal but, also sitting on just one point, they equally need a victory as well as hoping either Germany beat the USA or suffer a heavy defeat themselves.

The Black Stars are without a clean sheet in their last six World Cup games but Portugal – despite possessing one of the most potent players on the planet – have failed to score in six of their last nine.

Coach Kwesi Appiah will be without Sulley Muntari, which may see former Chelsea man Michael Essien come into the midfield, while Kevin-Prince Boateng should retain his starting place.

However, Muntari’s suspension is not the only disturbance to the pre-match build-up after the country’s government were forced to fly $3million to Brazil this week.

The money was sent on Tuesday to settle the appearance fees of a number of Ghanaian players who almost boycotted the trip to Brasilia.

An official statement from the Ghana FA said: “We wish to assure the general public following President (John Dramani) Mahama’s intervention the Black Stars are in high spirits ahead of Thursday’s match last Group G match against Portugal.”

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And they haven’t made any so far when it comes to Ronaldo’s happiness this season – with Cristiano helping Portugal to consecutive World Cup 2014 qualifying wins, the Real Madrid returned to Madrid with a fresh vow to commit himself fully to the club and to help them defend their league title.

Ronaldo:

“I would like to reaffirm, without being concerned about contracts, that my focus is solely on winning every game and every available trophy with the essential company of my teammates and all Madridistas.”

His teammates have come out to support him, mindful that they need to present a united front against a press eager to find any signs of weakness.

Iker Casillas:

“For Madrid, for the players as much as the fans, it is an authentic pleasure to have Cristiano here. And for Cristiano, it is a luxury to wear the jersey of the best club in the world. We all benefit. Madrid fans are demanding, but they are that way about everyone.”

Sevilla have a win and two draws to start the season, but Madrid will be hoping that they can deliver them their first defeat and keep the difference with Barcelona down to 5 points before the first Clasico this season on October 7th.

Despite their irregular start to the season Madrid are still considered the bookmakers’ favourites for the Sevilla game, just as they are odds-on favourites for every La Liga game that doesn’t involve Barcelona.

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Cristiano Ronaldo scored an eualiser for Portugal in 28th min against Luxembourg in the first Game of World Cup 2014 Qualification match.

The post Video: Cristiano Ronaldo – Goal vs Luxembourg (Sep 7, 2012) first appeared on Cristiano Ronaldo Fan | News, Photos, Blog, Pics, Videos.