Portugal get over Ronaldo loss

Published on Friday 13 November 2009 22:01

PORTUGAL coach Carlos Queiroz insists his team are more than capable of reaching the World Cup despite the significant absence of Cristiano Ronaldo heading into their two- legged play-off against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Ronaldo remains sidelined with an ankle injury that has kept him out of their last nine matches but Queiroz is confident his squad are ready for the challenge. "The most important thing in life is the 'we' and the least is the 'I'," said Queiroz. "We are confident that all of us, as a team, are prepared for us to overcome this opponent who we respect."

Ronaldo's former Manchester United team-mate Nani should take the place of the Madrid man, while Miguel and Pepe are likely to replace the injured Pedro Mendes and Jose Bosingwa.

Russia and Slovenia are both at full strength ahead of their World Cup qualifying play-off first leg in Moscow.

Russia manager Guus Hiddink was keen to play down talk his nation had landed the easiest possible assignment in the play-off draw.

"I can only say one thing; there is no hint of us underestimating the Slovenians. We all know it will not be an easy game. The stakes are too high," said Hiddink.

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel has urged his players to play "beyond their limits" if they want to claim a World Cup place at the expense of Ukraine.

Celtic's Giorgos Samaras is likely to start for the Greeks who are without Giourkas Seitaridis and Vasilis Torosidis. Ukraine, meanwhile, have dropped Liverpool forward Andriy Voronin.