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This is an archive article published on June 16, 2006

Cristiano has good chance of facing Iran

Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo has a good chance of facing Iran in World Cup Group D after re-joining his team mates for training on Friday...

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Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo has a good chance of facing Iran in World Cup Group D after re-joining his team mates for training on Friday, coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said.

Ronaldo took part in a light one-hour training session at Frankfurt’s Waldstadion, venue for Saturday’s game, with no apparent ill-effects.

“In principle, from what I saw today, he’s got good possibilities but we also have to wait to see how he reacts to training,” Scolari said.

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Ronaldo, who appeared upset when he was substituted during Sunday’s 1-0 win over Angola and who completed just 15 minutes of training on Wednesday, trained separately on Thursday after complaining of aching muscles.

He limited his session to short runs and exercises with a physiotherapist.

“Cristiano is not going through any difficulties apart from the usual ones of a 21-year-old who everyone expects great things from,” said Scolari.

“He just has to play the way he usually plays, because that’s the only way he’s going to benefit.

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“It’s his first World Cup, it’s the first time he’s in the starting line-up at a major tournament, so it’s all a bit different,” he added.

Brian Homewood

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