Portugal won’t miss Ronaldo, says Bosnia coach

By Shrikesh Laxmidas

LISBON, Nov 13 (Reuters) - Portugal are favourites to win their World Cup playoff and will not be weakened by Ronaldo’s absence through injury because they have the world’s most talented squad, said Bosnia coach Miroslav Blazevic.

“They will miss nobody because the squad is so rich with quality players that nobody’s absence is felt,” Blazevic told reporters on Friday on the eve of the first leg in Lisbon.

Ronaldo has been ruled out of the game and the return leg in Zenica on Wednesday due to an ankle injury he picked up playing for Real Madrid in late September and aggravated in Portugal’s 3-O win against Hungary 10 days later. He has not played since.

“I think the Portuguese team has a larger concentration of talent than any other footballing nation in the world,” added Blazevic.

The 74-year old, who led his native Croatia to the 1998 World Cup semi-finals, said he could not name another national squad that had so many players from the world’s top clubs.

Blazevic said Portugal were “great favourites” but faced a Bosnia team that also merits respect.

Bosnia have been praised for their attacking style but many observers believe their defence will be a soft touch for the Portugal forwards after conceding 13 goals in 10 qualifiers.

“I think I am better placed than than all those who gave you that information,” said a defiant Blazevic. “The strongest part of the team is the defence.”

(Editing by Ken Ferris

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