MANAUS, Brazil (AP) — With Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal still has a chance to reach the second round at the World Cup. Without him, the advantage might just switch to the United States.
Ronaldo has been carrying an injury to his left knee, and the world player of the year was seen using an ice pack on it during training on Wednesday. But he is still expected to play against the Americans on Sunday at the Arena da Amazonia in a match that Portugal can't afford to lose.
"Cristiano is 100 percent fit to play," backup Portugal goalkeeper Beto said this week. "Every match, if he starts to play, it is because he is fit to play."
The Portuguese lost 4-0 to Germany in their opening Group G match, with Ronaldo playing despite the injury.
The United States, however, is going in the other direction. After being knocked out of the last two World Cups by Ghana, the Americans beat the African team 2-1 in their opening match and could even secure a spot in the second round this weekend.
