'Ronaldo to make big impact at 2014 World Cup'

Tehran, Dec 28 (IANS) Former Real Madrid manager and Iran national football coach Carlos Queiroz said he expects Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo to make a big impact at the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Ronaldo had the capacity to become one of the best players in the history of football from the young age, said Queiroz, who was also a former Manchester United assistant, reports Xinhua.

Portugese Queiroz coached Ronaldo when he was in charge of Portugal team between 2008 and 2010 and also worked with the prolific attacker during his two spells as assistant manager to Alex Ferguson at Manchester United before his compatriot left for Real Madrid in 2009.

Iran’s national football coach likened Ronaldo to Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan, who is widely considered to be the best basketball player in history. He had no doubt that the forward would establish himself as a modern-day great, Queiroz stressed.

“Ronaldo is the most complete player I have ever coached in my life. In terms of fitness, ability, technical, tactical,” Queiroz said.

Portugal are in a difficult group and will have to deal with the likes of Germany, Ghana and USA in Group G of 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.