Cristiano Ronaldo (L) of Portugal's National Team stretches with teammate Raul Meireles as they practice for their upcoming friendly soccer matches in the United States at the NFL New York Jets practice facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, June 3, 2
Cristiano Ronaldo (L) of Portugal's National Team stretches with teammate Raul Meireles as they practice for their upcoming friendly soccer matches in the United States at the NFL New York Jets practice facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, June 3, 2014. REUTERS

Portugal is pegged to advance from their group in the 2014 World Cup but go far in the biggest tournament in sports, the health and conditioning of their star player, Cristiano Ronaldo could very well decide their chances in Brazil.

Ronaldo has a “muscle injury on the back of his left thigh as well as left-leg patellar tendinitis” according to a medical report from the Portuguese Football Association via FIFA.com.

"We hope that Cristiano is in good enough shape to play and to help the team," said Nani who was positive about his teammate’s injury status but remains positive even if he does not suit up for the team.

“If for some reason (Ronaldo) is not there, whoever is there playing has to be confident in their ability to get the job done.”

Despite the injury news of one of their key players, Portugal along with Germany is pegged to advance from Group G, which also has the United States and Ghana. The Portuguese face the Germans on June 16, the Americans on June 22 and the Ghanaian on June 26.

The Real Madrid superstar was named the FIFA Ballon d'Or winner as best soccer player for 2013 while Nani, a Manchester United veteran winger, has played 73 games for the NT and scored 14 goals for his country.

"The World Cup is a one-of-a-kind challenge. I want to be fully fit, and in top form alongside my teammates. I could not be there last time, but happily, I am here now," added Nani.

The Portuguese soccer national team is currently in the United States to play in a pair of friendly tournaments—against Mexico on Friday (June 6) in Boston and Ireland on Tuesday (June 10) in New York.