Ronaldo confident of Portugal excelling in Group of Death

London, Jun 9 (ANI): Despite getting a tough World Cup group, Portugal's ace striker Cristiano Ronaldo believes that his team will succeed in South Africa.

Portugal starts their Group G campaign against Ivory Coast next Tuesday before facing North Korea and Brazil.

"I think Portugal is doing well. It's true that we play a very tough group stage but this helps us to improve even more," The Sun quoted Ronaldo, as saying.

"Portugal is in a very good moment. It's true that the team has changed a lot. We will spend lots of time together before the tournament starts and that will help us to play a better World Cup this year. The first games of the group stage are very important."

Ronaldo believes his side and group rivals Brazil can count themselves among the six favourites for the showpiece event in South Africa.

"Theoretically you can say that Spain, England, Italy, Germany, Brazil and Portugal are always the strongest candidates.

"It will be a very special World Cup. Every player has the ambition to play such a tournament in order to showcase his abilities," he added. (ANI)