Portugal fear double trouble

Portugal face an anxious wait to see if they will have Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo available to face England in Gelsenkirchen on Saturday.

Ronaldo was forced to limp out of Portugal’s stormy World Cup knockout-clash win over Holland last night after sustaining a nasty gash, plus bruising on his thigh following a woeful early challenge by Dutch defender Khalid Boulahrouz.

Despite twice limping to the sideline for treatment and also having a heavy strapping put round the injury, Ronaldo was unable to continue and, after leaving the pitch in tears, watched the last hour of his country’s 1-0 triumph from the bench.

Now he must have the injury assessed to see whether he is able to tackle an England side which includes Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney.

“I am used to getting kicked now but I am unhappy about that one,” he said.

“I thought I would be able to continue but, unfortunately, it was not possible.

“Now I will have to wait and see how the injury develops.

“I have quite a bit of bruising on my thigh so I am in the hands of the doctors. Hopefully I will be fit because I would really like to play against England.”

Ronaldo’s availability could be crucial to Portugal, who already know they will be without key midfielder Deco, plus experienced defender Costinha from the game.

Both were dismissed against Holland by Russian referee Valentin Ivanov, who in total produced a World Cup finals record four red cards and an amazing 16 yellows, equalling the tournament best.

If that is not bad enough for Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, Figo may come under investigation by FIFA after appearing to headbutt Marc van Bommel during the second-half.

TV replays showed there to be contact, however minimal, and Van Bommel is adamant Figo should have been sent off instead of merely booked, which at the time would have reduced Portugal to nine men while Holland still had a full compliment.

“Figo headbutted me,” said Van Bommel. “That is a red card, not a yellow one.

“I don’t blame Figo, I blame the referee. He was the one who should have shown the red card. It was clear. You have to say the referee ruined the game.”

Scolari, however, remained unimpressed, replying: “Figo’s behaviour was more correct than that of the Dutch players.

“Jesus Christ said we should turn the other cheek. Unfortunately, Luis Figo is not Jesus Christ.”

Holland largely contributed to their own downfall by twice failing to take advantage of having a man extra.

Phillip Cocu hit the underside of the bar and Dirk Kuyt could not beat Ricardo despite being put clean through near the end.

So Portugal were able to hang onto the lead Maniche gave them with a well-taken 23rd-minute effort to book another quarter-final meeting with England, having beaten them on penalties at the same stage of Euro 2004.

“I am sure it will be a good game, hopefully better than this one,” said Ronaldo.

“It will be special for me because I have played in England for the past three years. Hopefully, we can get the same result as last time.”