All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo – and more specifically on his knee – when the world player of the year takes to the field against Germany in the much-anticipated Group G opener in Salvador.
Ronaldo has been nursed through a knee injury both by Real Madrid at the end of the club season and by Portugal in the build-up to Brazil 2014.
But Ronaldo last night insisted he is ‘100 per cent fit’ after taking part in a full training session with the squad.
Among individual players at this World Cup, perhaps only Ronaldo’s long-time rival Argentina’s Lionel Messi holds as much sway over a single team.
“I have been practising for a few days, which I couldn’t do if I was injured,” said Ronaldo. “I’d like to be 110 per cent, but I am at 100 per cent and ready to help the national team. Obviously, I would like to play without pain, but in my entire career I have always had injuries and knocks to deal with.”
Ronaldo was dismissive of media reports which implied he would not be fit for the Germany clash.
“The media often just throw things up in the air and try to hit something. The most important thing is the health of the player and if there is any problem during the game, I will tell my coach,” he said. “I am not willing to risk my career on one game, if I am not fit, I won’t play.”
The clash is a re-run of Portugal’s Euro 2012 opener against Germany, when they lost 1-0, while the Germans have beaten the Portuguese at three of the last four major tournaments.
“Obviously the historical record has been positive for Germany recently, but I remember a recent case when Real Madrid couldn’t beat Bayern Munich and that changed,” added Ronaldo.
Having been part of the side which lost the third-place play-off to Germany in 2006 and was beaten by Spain in the round of 16 four years ago, Ronaldo insists he has nothing to prove at a World Cup.
“I don’t think I have to show anyone anything. If you look at my statistics and resume you’ll see that,” he said, when asked if his World Cup record was the only blot on his stunning CV.
“I have no words for that question, I just have to continue my career, which has been great so far. We have to be realistic, we aren’t favourites and, in theory, there are teams stronger than ours.
"We must be humble and accept this will be a difficult tournament, but we will face one of the favourites and we have the chance to try and win.”
LIKELY LINE-UPS
Germany (4-2-3-1)
Neuer; Lahm, Mertesacker, Hummels, Howedes; Schweinsteiger, Khedira; Muller, Ozil. Podolski; Goetze
Portugal (4-3-3)
Patricio; Pereira, Alves, Pepe, Coentrao; Meireles, Carvalho, Moutinho; Varela, Almeida, Ronaldo
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Germany – Thomas Muller
Joint-top scorer and Young Player of the Tournament, Muller was a sensation in South Africa and four years on he is a better player. Will start on the right but may also swap positions with Gotze.
Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo
The man Portugal look to for something special as Ronaldo goes in search of a first victory against Germany (three matches, three defeats). His pace and power should trouble the German defence.
PREDICTION
Germany look unsure at the back and Portugal’s width can trouble them but Die Mannschaft are so potent going forward they should have just about enough to secure a win. Germany to win 2-1.