World Cup 2010: Carlos Queiroz calls Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal's 'Superman'

 Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal's 'Superman'

Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz has labelled Cristiano Ronaldo as his side’s "Superman" and believes the winger can inspire his team-mates to World Cup success.

Ronaldo has failed to transfer his superb club performances into the international arena in recent years, and is currently enduring a barren spell for Portugal, which has seen him score just one goal in the past two years.

This dry patch has coincided with a dip in form for Portugal, who limped through qualifying – scoring just 17 goals and requiring a play-off victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina to make the finals.

However, Queiroz believes that the 25-year-old’s troubles in the national colours are behind him and is backing his captain to shine in South Africa.

"Cristiano is a champion and, as a player, is Superman," Queiroz said. "In terms of his mental approach to the game, he is so strong and so confident.

"It has always been this way since I first started working with him as an 18-year-old. He has a champion mind. He is someone who has always been able to perform above the demands of the game.

"It is fantastic to work with a really special player in our squad, who has shown the world that he is a winner even before the tournament begins.

"And this also makes it easy to ensure his spirit and attitude rubs off on the rest of the Portugal players."

Portugal have been drawn in Group G alongside Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea, and Queiroz insists Portugal will need to be at their best to progress to the knockout stages.

But the former Manchester United coach is bullish about his side’s chances, confident they will not only advance from the group, but win the whole tournament.

"I am sure Ivory Coast will be fearing Portugal," Queiroz said. "As a national team and in a one-against-one situation, Portugal can beat any side at this World Cup.

"Our approach is to play the first game, then the second and so on. Firstly, we have to get through to the second round.

“Then our aim will be to run and run on the outside – and to be in a position where we have the opportunity to compete with the very best in the world."