FIFA World Cup: Germany coach Loew wary of Ronaldo threat

Joachim Loew

Pedro Sugera: Germany coach Joachim Loew warned his team that they cannot afford to let Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo out of their sights in their heavyweight clash.


Joachim Loew

Loew saw enough to realise that even a half-fit Ronaldo could put the skids beneath Germany when they meet in Salvador.

"If he plays with pace and with the ball at his feet, then it's hard to prevent him playing," said Loew.

"Ronaldo makes some of the best running lines around. You really have to take care of him every minute. The player who will play against him will have to constantly watch where Ronaldo is running."

The Germany coach is, however, aware that Portugal have strength and talent in depth even if they did need to come through the play-offs to make the finals in Brazil after being pipped to an automatic qualifying place by Russia.