Cristiano Ronaldo acknowledges Portugal are in a difficult World Cup group – but the Real Madrid winger believes an early test in the tournament will be an advantage for his side.

The Euro 2004 finalists have landed Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea in the group of death, but Ronaldo thinks that lining up against tough opposition in the first round will help raise their game.

He said: “I think Portugal is doing well. It's true that we play a very tough group stage but this helps us to improve even more.”

 

Strangely, Ronaldo failed to find the target once throughout qualifying but has promised to save his goals for the World Cup itself.

He has also tipped group rivals Brazil to be in contention of winning the tournament alongside Spain, England, Italy and Germany.

Portugal will have to navigate their group without Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate Nani, who was ruled out of the competition with a shoulder injury, while Carlos Querioz’s side continued preparations for the event in South Africawith a comprehensive 3-0 over Mozambique.