Portugal players will ‘do everything to help Cristiano Ronaldo beat the world record’

Goncalo Guedes had some ominous words for Ireland, without a point in the group nor a striker in form for club or country

MAN OF THE MOMENT: Cristiano Ronaldo, centre, chats with Portugal coach Fernando Santos, left, during yesterday’s training session in Oeiras. A Ronaldo goal against Ireland would see him become the top scorer in the history of international football. Picture: AP Photo/Armando Franca

Portugal will take leave from the Lisbon base this afternoon for the warmer climes of Faro with Goncalo Guedes insisting their hot streak can be regained against Ireland tomorrow.

By their high standards, the Portuguese have suffered a dip of late, failing to win in three and losing twice at the Euros in June, but normal order is expected to be restored when the World Cup qualification tilt resumes at Estadio Algarve.