By DAN KARELL
Cristiano Ronaldo is in a race against time to regain full fitness for Portugal’s World Cup opener.
The Portuguese Football Federation released a medical report that stated Ronaldo was suffering from a thigh muscle injury as well as left-knee tendonitis. The Portuguese national team has been training at the New York Jets training facility since arriving earlier this week, but Ronaldo has been seen running on his own and not taking part in full team activities.
The 29-year-old star suffered from knee problems throughout the second half of the season for Real Madrid and played through the pain in the UEFA Champions League final, even though it was clear that he wasn’t fit. Now Ronaldo, who was held out in Portugal’s scoreless draw against Greece on Saturday, must become fit enough for Portugal’s first match on June 16 against Germany in Salvador.
Ronaldo wasn’t the only name on the medical report. Defender Pepe, midfielder Raul Meireles, and goalkeeper Beto are all recovering from injuries and will be taking part in individual workouts.
Here are some more stories to get your Wednesday going:
MEXICO FALLS TO BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA IN CHICAGO
El Tri and head coach Miguel Herrera still have many unanswered questions after a disappointing performance for the Mexican national team in Chicago.
Herrera elected to give some of the team’s reserves a run in the starting lineup, with Francisco Rodriguez, Rafael Marquez, Jose de Jesus Corona, and Oribe Peralta all rested for the match. However, the performance by the reserves didn’t live up to the pro-Mexico crowd’s expectations as Bosnia and Herzegovina ran away with an impressive 1-0 win at Soldier Field.
Bosnian forward Izet Hajrovic scored the game’s only goal in the 41st minute, latching on to a pass from Sejad Salihovic in the center of the box and firing home with a first-time strike.
Bosnian goalkeeper Asmir Begovic had a big game for his nation as well, making five saves and keeping the likes of Javier Hernandez off the scoresheet.
BRAZIL ROUTS PANAMA IN WORLD CUP WARM-UP
The Brazilian national team gave fans a sneak peak of what they can expect at the World Cup.
In their first warm-up match ahead of the tournament, the Selecao toyed with Panama on their way to a 4-0 victory at the Estádio Serra Dourada in Goiania. Neymar scored one goal on a beautiful free kick and set up two other goals, one with a terrific back-heel pass to teammate Hulk.
Dani Alves and Chelsea midfielder Willian completed the rout as Brazil picked up more momentum ahead of the World Cup.
NIGERIA PLAYS GREECE TO DULL DRAW
Nigeria picked up their second consecutive tie on Wednesday night as they played Greece to a scoreless draw at PPL Park in Chester, Pa.
Both squads rested some regular starters and neither team had a legitimate chance to score until late in the second half. Greece came closest in the 83rd minute when substitutes Georgios Samaras and Dimitrio Salpingidis each had shots on goal, but Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama made two great saves.
Five minutes later, Nigeria had a chance to win the match when Ogenyi Onazi struck from long range, but substitute Greek goalkeeper Stefanos Kapino made a diving stop to his left to keep Nigeria off the board.
Nigeria now heads for northern Florida as they prepare to face the U.S. Men’s National Team on Saturday in Jacksonville. Looking forward, Nigeria head coach Stephen Keshi wants the team to continue improving and correct some of the mistakes they’ve been making when they play the USA.
“I expect a good game from the United States,” Keshi told Goal.com. “Klinsmann is going to have this German mentality that they’re going to go all the way.
“I just want to see my players in better cohesion than I saw [against Greece]. I know as we go along playing our friendly games, correcting the mistakes that we’re making, it’s going to come alive.”
QUICK KICKS
Bayern Munich midfielder Thomas Müller has asked for clarification from the club and head coach Pep Guardiola about whether he’ll be an integral member of the team next season. (REPORT)
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said that his club isn’t negotiating with Juventus for Paul Pogba, and that Alvaro Morata won’t be going the other way to Turin. (REPORT)
Liverpool has made a bid of 12 million euros ($16.35 million) for 20-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Emre Can. (REPORT)
Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Getafe goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya on a three-year contract. (REPORT)
Former AC Milan coach Max Allegri is being touted to take over as Lazio head coach for the upcoming season. (REPORT)
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What do you think of these reports? Do you see Ronaldo recovering in time? What did you think of Mexico’s performance? Think the U.S. can defeat Nigeria?
Share your thoughts below.