Ronaldo likely to miss Malta game
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (L) shakes hands with Nani after being substituted during their 2010 World Cup qualifying soccer match against Hungary at Luz stadium in Lisbon.
Cristiano Ronaldo's ankle injury is likely to keep him out of Portugal's World Cup qualifier against Malta on Wednesday, national coach Carlos Queiroz said.
"Probably (we have lost him for the Malta game). Ronaldo's situation requires another, more detailed exam, but I have already spoken to the medical team and the probabilities are not very cheering," Queiroz said.
Ronaldo limped off in the 27th minute of Portugal's 3-0 win over Hungary yesterday.
He sprained an ankle playing for Real Madrid in a Champions League match against Marseille in late September and missed the club's last league match, a defeat at Sevilla on Oct. 3.
He recovered ahead of the Hungary match, and on Friday told reporters he was almost fully fit, but the injury forced him off the pitch with less than a third of the match played.
Portugal are second in Group One and will secure a playoff berth if they beat Malta in their last qualifier on Wednesday.
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G.Gauci
Oct 12th 2009, 10:35
Until we have a professional system which enables hot prospects of 15/16 years of age to be able to make a living out of football we will never be able to compete. Cyprus players have an advantage since many of their players play professionally in Greece. We must strive to do the same with Sicily/Italy. We must be able to send our youngsters abroad so that they can develop into professional players. It's useless if you go abroad at 28 years old. A player is formed during his mid-teens.
And we have talent, because in t'ments held abroad at U/12-14 levels we are at par with other foreign teams. I myself, about 10 years ago have played with Hibernians U/14 squad and have beaten teams like Spartak Moscow and Parma.
Keith Muscat
Oct 11th 2009, 20:44
Does anyone even realise that we don't have the the resources??!! by resources i mean players! it's as simple as that! we don't have enough professional players.
another thing is that with all the limitations we have as a nation , we are not even trying to be professional! just ask anyone close to the nurseries sector. the lack of discipline and professionality in youth football is unbelievable. who's fault is it?!! a million dollar question
Sandro Pace
Oct 11th 2009, 10:09
Indeed Michael Gauci.
What I am angry about is that Cyprus and Iceland (our similars) took a great leap forward, while we seem unable to beat anyone. Size is no longer an excuse for lack of wins.
michael gauci
Oct 11th 2009, 08:39
Portugal do not need Ronaldo to beat Malta !! they can beat us with a reserve team !