Portugal boss Paulo Bento has stated that he has no problem in relying upon superstar Cristiano Ronaldo for most of his team’s goals and upcoming World Cup 2014. Ronaldo comes into the tournament as the world’s best player after having recently won the FIFA Ballon d’Or award. He has also lifted the Champions League title first time as a Real Madrid player. Due to the recent highs Ronaldo is expected to be one of the name to watch out at the World Cup 2014. Portugal have been given a tough group stage with the likes of Germany and Ghana being the group opponents.

There has been recent criticism of Bento that he relies too much on Ronaldo. Portugal have been given a huge scare with the news that Ronaldo is still not 100% fit. However, he is expected to be in the starting line-up for Portugal’s opening match of the tournament against Germany. Portugal have done exceedingly well in recent matches after having stayed unbeaten in the last five. Their recent friendly against Greece ended in a 0-0 draw. The team has friendlies against Mexico and Republic of Ireland lined up before the World Cup.

“Whoever we have in the team, we’ll have to compete. The national team, Real Madrid or Manchester United were always stronger when they had a player with Cristiano Ronaldo’s ability. If teams that train every day together depend on him, why should we be afraid of saying he has an enormous influence on our team? But we can’t lose the capacity of working when he’s not available for selection,” said Bento.

Portugal are considered as one of the favourites to qualify stages, but given their tough group matches, they could falter. The United States of America is the other group opponent for Portugal, whose tournament starts on June 16.