FIFA World Cup: Portugal end on a better note

East Rutherford (USA): Cristiano Ronaldo had a hand in a goal and hit a post on his return as Portugal concluded their World Cup preparations with a 5-1 romp over the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday. The Real Madrid striker, who missed his country’s previous two warm-up games because of thigh and knee injuries, was not at his brilliant best for long periods of a one-sided friendly.

But coach Paulo Bento was just relieved to see his captain and talisman back after an injury layoff that had sparked fears that Ronaldo might not be fit for Brazil. Ronaldo was substituted on 65 minutes, but it appeared to have been a planned change and there was no indication that he was suffering any ill effects from his injury problems.

He was replaced by Real team mate Pepe, a key defender and another whose World Cup preparations have been badly hindered by injury. “Ronaldo played a good match, especially when considering that he has not played competitively for two weeks,” said Bento.

“Players like him are important for any team, and that is the case with ourselves too. It’s good to have him back.”  Raul Meireles also returned to the side after injury, giving Bento a full squad to choose from for the first time in the build-up to Brazil. Nani said it was “great” to have Ronaldo back.