Portugal head coach Fernando Santos has claimed Cristiano Ronaldo has “a huge hunger” to do well in Qatar and has backed him to become the country’s all-time World Cup goalscorer.
Ronaldo needs to score three goals to usurp the great Eusebio, who scored nine times in the nation’s semi-final run at the 1966 finals. The Manchester United striker has scored seven goals across four editions of the tournament, having netted a record 177 for Portugal overall.
His appearance in Qatar will mean he joins a select group of players who have played at five finals. Ronaldo said he is fully “focused” on the World Cup in his controversial interview with Piers Morgan this week.
