Date:04/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/04/stories/2008100456571800.htm

Sport - Football

Ronaldo back for Portugal

LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo is back in the Portugal squad after an injury layoff, and is set to play his first games under new coach Carlos Queiroz in this month’s football World Cup qualifiers.

The Manchester United winger was included in Portugal’s 23-man squad on Friday to play Sweden on October 11 and Albania four days later.

Portugal beat Malta 4-0 in its opening qualifier but then was upset at home 3-2 by Denmark and is fourth in Group A.

Ronaldo hasn’t featured since undergoing ankle surgery after the European Championship.

“It’s great to be back in the national squad,” Ronaldo said on the Portuguese Football Federation’s Web site. “These are two important games we want to win. We have an excellent group of players and coaches and I’m very optimistic.”

Inter Milan winger Ricardo Quaresma also returns after missing the first two qualifiers.

Queiroz, who took charge in July, also called up Deco even though the Chelsea playmaker is still recovering from a torn thigh muscle. Atletico Madrid’s Maniche is also in doubt because of a back injury.

Winger Simao Sabrosa and central defender Ricardo Carvalho are both sidelined due to knee injuries. Sporting Lisbon’s Tonel won his third call-up to provide cover for the central defence.

Portugal has beaten Sweden only three times in 13 encounters. — AP