Cristiano close to tears as hopes of playing World Cup diminishes

COPENHAGEN - Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who had broke millions of English hearts in the last World Cup and gave a wink after England striker Wayne Rooney was shown a red card for a tussle with Ricardo Carvalho, seemed close to tears at the end of a crucial game against Denmark in Copenhagen on Saturday.

FIFA World Player of the Year now fears that Portugal may not make it to the World Cup 2010 in South Africa, as they are reeling fourth in their group, which is lead by Denmark.

Currently Portugal are seven points behind Denmark and need to finish at least second to stand any hope of qualifying.

Meanwhile, Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz is hopeful of a luck change and believes that they can still make it to the World Cup.

“We have to raise our heads and keep believing. The game is not over and while it lasts we have to believe. Portugal played very well and were very focused. We progressed in the game, always in control, but, once again, the merit did not follow who played better,” The Sun quoted Queiroz, as saying.

“Only one team could have won. We were not good in finishing matters, with opportunities with an empty net where we could not score,” he added.

Portugal’s hopes now reels on their games against Hungary and Malta, and then hope for favours elsewhere in the group. (ANI)