Portugal are set to lock horns with Germany in their first match of Group G at the Arena Fonte Nova on Monday, and star striker Cristiano Ronaldo is hopeful of getting positive results from the much-anticipated tie.
The former champions have defeated Portugal in three out of four times in a major tournament, which include 2012 Euro Cup defeat. But the 29-year-old reckons his team can change things this time against the Germans.
"Obviously the historical record has been positive for Germany recently, but I remember a recent case when Real Madrid couldn't beat Bayern Munich and that changed," said Ronaldo. "I hope this is the year Portugal change things against Germany."
Ronaldo has just scored two goals in the World Cup finals against minnows Iran and North Korea in ten appearances. The two-time FIFA Ballon d'Or winner is under pressure to guide his team home after a fantastic season with Real Madrid.
The former Manchester United striker said he has nothing to prove and it is not entirely on him to guide the team in the tournament. Ronaldo added that Portugal is one of the favourites and the team is aiming to give its best.
"I don't think I have to show anyone anything," Ronaldo said. "Look at my statistics and my CV, I have nothing to prove. My career has been great so far and I just want that to continue."
"But I believe that one player is not a team," he added. "I am here to help the team. I am an additional player and I can make a difference, but I can't carry the team on my back. I want to be champion, but let's take it a step at a time.
"We are not in the group of favourites, but we are one of the best. For me it pushes me forward to succeed at a tournament. I like challenges and I want to do my best in whatever competition I am in."
Ronaldo said he is ready to take part in Portugal's opening fixture and there are no doubts over his fitness and he is 100 per cent fit.
"I have been practising for a few days, which I couldn't do if I was injured," said Ronaldo. "I'd like to be 110 percent, but I am at 100 percent and ready to help the national team. Obviously, I would like to play without pain, but in my entire career I have always had injuries and knocks to deal with, but I am ready to play."
Portugal's centre-half Bruno Alves said Ronaldo, who is just one shy of 50 international goals, is the best player in the world and the team is counting on him in the World Cup.
"The best player in the world had to be in the World Cup and he will help the team to achieve our goals," Alves said. "We count with our captain, always."
