The FIFA Ballon d’Or 2013 winner Christiano Ronaldo, known as CR7, in his current form is rated higher even than Lionel Messi. Many who follow soccer match by match will not hesitate to agree that when CR7 is in mood he is simply unstoppable.

And his country Portugal is one of the major soccer nations which has not won world cup yet. Brazil was a Portuguese colony. Soccer is one of the resources that the colonial power inherited from Brazil. But for some reasons or other it failed to fulfill its promises every time it appeared in the world stage.

Football is a game of 11 players combining well to win over opponents. But if ever there was an example one man single handedly dismantling any opposition it was Ronaldo against Sweden in the world cup qualifier. CR7 was in such a devastating form that another super star Zlatan Ibrahimovic playing for the Swedes could only watch and applaud Ronaldo’s master class. He has scored goals everywhere__ Champions League finals, League Cup deciders, Classicos, Euros and World Cups.

But like his rival Messi, he is yet to lead his country to victory in a major tournament. Ronaldo like any great player must have a hidden desire to be remembered among the best of all times. On top his all laurels, if he can lead his team to world cup championship that will give him immortal status.

Ronaldo lately picked up the injury playing for Real Madrid against Real Valladolid last week, and missed their defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday. But the 29-year-old is expected to recover in plenty of time for Portugal's opening World Cup match in Group G against Germany on 16 June.

The Portugal coach Paulo Bento also included the Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma in his provisional squad. The 30-year-old former Barcelona player rejoined Porto in January after six months out of the game following his departure from Dubai's Al-Ahli last year.

Portugal also face the US and Ghana in their World Cup group.

Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Olympique Lyon), Beto (Sevilla), Eduardo (Braga), Rui Patrício (Sporting)

Defenders: Andre Almeida (Benfica), Antunes (Malaga), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce), Fabio Coentreo (Real Madrid), Joao Pereira (Valencia), Neto (Zenit St Petersburg), Pepe (Real Madrid), Ricardo Costa (Valencia), Rolando (Inter Milan)

Midfielders: Andre Gomes (Benfica), Joao Mario (Vitoria Setubal), Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Miguel Veloso (Dynamo Kiev), Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce), Ruben Amorim (Benfica), William Carvalho (Sporting)

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Eder (Braga), Helder Postiga (Lazio), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas), Ivan Cavaleiro (Benfica), Nani (Manchester United), Rafa (Braga), Ricardo Quaresma (Porto), Varela (Porto), Vieirinha (VfL Wolfsburg)

Portugal squad is mainly drawn from the elite clubs of Europe. Joao Moutinho, Pepe and Raul Patricio are expected to deliver for Bento in Brazil. But much will depend what Ronaldo turns up in the world cup. Usually any coach by tradition hesitates to change a winning combination. But coach Bento appears to have his often definition of “never change the team”. He sticks to 4-3-3 formation where Ronaldo floats and adds punch with his striking flair. The dynamic midfield trio will drive Portuguese deep into opponent defense. 

After a thrilling play off against Sweden through a Ronaldo classic, Portugal appears to be well prepared for the Group of death Group G featuring European Power House Germany, African Lion Ghana and a very difficult team USA. Coach Paulo Bento recognizes the tough tussle that his charges will encounter to move into group of 16. If Portugal can finish on top of Group G it will either play Russia or Belgium in the second round. By that time much of the nerves should be settled in Portuguese camp. If Portugal can manage to win  Argentina or France may be waiting for them in the quarter final, Portugal have to play consistently well in Brazil to fulfill its promise. They will have plenty of support in their one time colony as other than Brazil they will be the only country to speak the language 

Portugal cannot figure out what they miss to win world cup despite of producing world class players__ especially the “golden generation “typified by Luis Figo and Raul Costa. May be this time they can put it right. An impressive campaign in Brazil would be a fitting tribute to the greatest of them all, Eusebio, who expired in January 2014.

BDST: 0854 HRS, MAY 19, 2014