Team News: Cristiano Ronaldo starts for Portugal against USA

Cristiano Ronaldo has been passed fit to start for Portugal against USA in tonight's must-win Group G clash.

A loss for the Seleccao will signal the end of their World Cup campaign, but they have been boosted by the news that their talisman has overcome injury.

Paulo Bento has been forced into a few changes, with Fabio Coentrao having been ruled out for the tournament, while Pepe is suspended for the game in Manaus following his red card in last week's 4-0 reverse against Germany.

Meanwhile, the United States are without the injured Jozy Altidore, meaning Clint Dempsey lines up as the lone striker with John Brooks - the scorer of The Yanks winning goal against Ghana last time out - among the substitutes.

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USA: Howard; Johnson, Cameron, Besler, Beasley; Beckerman, Jones; Bedoya, Bradley, Zusi; Dempsey

© Getty Images

Portugal: Beto; Bruno Alves, Pereira, A.Almeida, Costa; Veloso, Meireles, Moutinho; Nani, Ronaldo, Postiga

© Getty Images