Scolari sweating on Cristiano Ronaldo's fitness

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo runs apart from the rest of the team as he is recovering from an injury, during a training session at The Klosterpforte Hotel in Marienfeld, June 28. Portugal coach Luis Felipe Scolari has admitted that he is sweating on the fitness of Ronaldo ahead of Saturday's quarter-final match against England.

Portugal coach Luis Felipe Scolari has admitted that he is sweating on the fitness of key winger Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Saturday's quarter-final match against England.

Ronaldo resumed light training on Wednesday after picking up a thigh injury in the second round win over the Nethlerlands last weekend.

The Manchester United player caught a boot from Dutch defender Khalid Boulahrouz early in the ill-tempered 1-0 win and was replaced after 34 minutes.

He was not present during the first quarter-hour of Thursday's on-field training open to the media and also did not take part in Friday's open session.

"We don't know about Ronaldo," Scolari told a press conference at the Portuguese training camp. "We're still awaiting word on his fitness.

"I'll decide if he plays just a couple of hours before the match," said the Brazilian.

Scolari said the team would miss playmaker Deco and influential holding anchorman Costinha, out after being sent off in the win over the Netherlands, but added that he had full confidence in their replacements.

"Costinha and Deco are special players," said the coach who took Brazil to the 2002 World Cup title and Portugal to the final of Euro 2004.

"All our squad players are special," Scolari said. "Those who play in their place are also special players and we trust them."