Key facts
- Cristiano Ronaldo advised Portugal to prioritize a strong start in the World Cup.
- He stated the team should focus on the first two matches and finishing first in the group.
- Portugal's first match is against Congo on Wednesday in Houston.
- Ronaldo will be playing in his sixth World Cup, a record he shares with Lionel Messi.
- Portugal's best World Cup finishes were third in 1966 and fourth in 2006.
Cristiano Ronaldo has urged his Portuguese teammates to concentrate on securing a strong start in the upcoming World Cup, rather than immediately focusing on winning the title. The veteran forward, who will be participating in his sixth World Cup, stated that the team needs to perform well in its initial matches and aim to finish first in the group.
Portugal's campaign begins with a Group K match against Congo in Houston on Wednesday. They will then face Uzbekistan on June 23, also in Houston, before concluding the group stage against Colombia in Miami on June 27. Ronaldo emphasized that the true test of a champion comes later in the tournament when fatigue sets in.