skippers Portugal to win

7/02/2007 09:33, Report by Ben HibbsRon



Cristiano Ronaldo skippered Portugual to a 2-0 win over Brazil on Tuesday evening.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side secured the win at Arsenal's Emirates stadium with two late goals. Substitute Simao Sabrosa put Portugal in front with eight minutes remaining, before Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho secured victory in stoppage time.

Ronaldo's unscheduled first outing as Portugal skipper was the dying wish of Carlos Silva, the vice-president of the Portuguese FA, who died on Sunday. There was a minutes' silence before the game to mark the passing of Silva, who had suggested that this game would be the perfect chance to see how the young winger coped with the responsibility of the captaincy.

Ronaldo enjoyed the experience of captaining his country, but says it did not alter his determination during the game.

"It was good for me, but the responsibility is always the same one," Ronaldo told Portuguese newspaper A Bola. "My objective in the team is to always play well and to help with my best form."

"Beating Brazil gives us a lot of spirit, but there are two important games coming up and these are the ones that count, therefore this victory can only bring more motivation."

Portugal face Belgium and Serbia in two important Euro 2008 qualifiers next month.

credit: manutd.com