Ronaldo to miss Portugal friendly against Brazil

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates scoring during the FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifying Group F match vs. Northern Ireland at Windsor Park on September 6, 2013 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Getty Images)

Lisbon, Sep 8 (IANS): Portugal and Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Tuesday’s friendly football match against Brazil.

“Ronaldo has had a week of intense treatment, he made an enormous sacrifice and now he needs to rest,” Portugal doctor Henrique Jones said Saturday, reports Xinhua.

With the 28-year-old’s hat-trick, Portugal recorded a 4-2 win over nine-man Northern Ireland in Group F at World Cup European Zone qualifiers, which kept them on top of the group ahead of Russia who have a game in hand.