Undistracted by Ronaldo drama, Portugal focus on Ghana

Although Cristiano Ronaldo has recently hogged all the spotlight with his drama surrounding Manchester United, leading to tensions between the squad and the media, Portugal will be keen to let their football do the talking against Ghana when the two Group H sides play their World Cup opener at the 974 Stadium in Doha on Thursday.

However, Portugal defender Ruben Dias said that despite the apparent distraction surrounding Ronaldo, his side's focus remain on Ghana.

"I don't think Cristiano's affairs have put a dent whatsoever into what we are trying to achieve here. As a team we will focus on the World Cup now and not other issues," said Dias.

Ghana have seen three managerial changes in the past year and hence are undergoing a rebuilding phase, but the 2010 quarter-finalists arrived on the Arabian Peninsula with wind in their sails, having beaten Switzerland 2-0 in a friendly.

"Ghana are physically a strong team, technically as well. They have footballers who are playing at the top level in Europe. They are strong in transition when they recover the ball," Dias added.

Aside Ronaldo – who led Portugal to triumph at Euro 2016 but eluded by World Cup glory – Dias and company showcase a wealth of talent, most notably in fellow Manchester United players Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot and Manchester City's Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, and Joao Cancelo.

Ghana captain Andre Ayew also believes that Ronaldo's affair should not be a distraction for Portugal, composed of "great professionals playing at top teams" and said that his side is determined to "show that it is more important what happens on the pitch."

"We go into this game with Portugal favourites on paper. The first game is one where you can go for it and be brave," said Ayew on Wednesday.