26 June 2006, by Sean Gillen

Ronaldo desperate to recover for ‘special match’

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed his anger at the tackle that forced him out of Portugal’s World Cup tie with Holland, but expects to be fit for the clash with England on Saturday.

Ronaldo was the victim of an awful challenge from Dutch defender Khalid Boulahrouz early on in Portugal’s 1-0 win last night, with the defender stamping on the 21-year-old’s upper thigh.

After trying to play on, Ronaldo was forced to make way for Simao with just half an hour gone, and was visibly distraught at having to leave the field early. The winger is still furious with the challenge from Boulahrouz, who received a yellow card for the offence and was later sent off after an elbow on Luis Figo.

“I am used to getting kicked now but I am unhappy about that one,” said Ronaldo.

“I’ve got a blue mark after the hit on my thigh, but I don’t think it’s serious,” he revealed. “On Monday I will talk to the doctor and I hope I can play against England, but we will see.”

“I took two hits. I tried to stand for 15 minutes but my leg started to swell and I had to leave.”

“This is football. I’m used to it. Obviously I would have liked to help my team-mates.”

“I started the game very well and I thought I could have a great match today. But my team mates had a great game and I have to congratulate them.”

The Quarter-Final encounter with England will see Ronaldo come up against some familiar faces, having played in the Premiership for Manchester United since his 2003 move from Sporting.

“I hope it’s a great game of football (against England). I want both teams to finish the match with all 11 players - then it will be a good game,” Ronaldo said.

“It is a special match because I’ve been in England for three years and I hope we can win.”