Joachim Low: 'Portugal are reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo'

Joachim Low has claimed that Portugal are reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the World Cup.

Germany's head coach will come up against the Real Madrid forward in the group stages of this summer's tournament, and he believes that Portugal's success will depend on the 29-year-old's performances.

"Cristiano Ronaldo justifiably won the Ballon d'Or for his performances last year; he seemed to score two or three goals in almost every game he played in, including for Portugal," Low told DPA.

"In the playoff with Sweden he decided everything himself, pretty much. Although they have other good players, Portugal are very dependent on Cristiano Ronaldo."

Germany and Portugal are joined in Group G by Ghana and USA.