Ferdinand cites key Cole battle

By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer in Stuttgart

Portugal winger Ronaldo could face Cole if he recovers from injury

Rio Ferdinand says Ashley Cole's battle with Manchester United colleague Cristiano Ronaldo will be key to England's World Cup game with Portugal.

Arsenal defender Cole had a memorable clash with Ronaldo in the Euro 2004 quarter-final, and they will meet again if the winger recovers from injury.

Ferdinand said: "Their battle against each other was one of the highlights of Euro 2004 and I expect similar quality.

"Cristiano has the ability to be one of the best players in the world."

Ferdinand was suspended when Portugal beat England on penalties in Lisbon two years ago, and now they meet at the same stage.

And he admits Ronaldo will pose a major threat if he shrugs off a thigh injury.

With the talented players we have in our side we can play different systems Rio Ferdinand

He said: "If he carries on improving he will be one of the best in the world. He will be a danger if he plays against us."

Ferdinand shrugged off criticism of England performances in the World Cup so far, saying he was satisfied to have reached the last eight.

He said: "I don't care if people say we're not playing well.

"We're improving slowly and steadily. If you look at Argentina against Mexico they didn't perform as they did in the last few games.

"There are ups and downs in a tournament. We're at a stage now where we're improving with every game.

"There was a period in the second half when I thought we passed the ball really well.

"We created chances. On another day, Frank Lampard would have got a goal. Wayne Rooney had a couple of little half-chances but we can play in this system.

"With the talented players we have in our side we can play different systems."

606 VIEW Cole has coped with Ronaldo well when playing club football BW 606: Have your say

Ferdinand also believes England may peak at the right time in Germany.

He said: "If you had a choice, you'd rather be playing well towards the end of the tournament rather than the beginning.

"Ideally you'd like to play well all the way through but in the past we've seen teams start slowly and be full steam ahead by the end of the tournament and then get to the final.

"Any way we get to the final, we'll take that.

"Everyone keeps talking about performances, performances, performances but results win tournaments. Performances are a bonus.

"That's the way we look at it. If we get a good performance then fantastic."