Cristiano Ronaldo Sends Message to Fans Ahead of Portugal Vs USA Match [VIDEO]

Cristiano Ronaldo knows that the hopes of Portugal's fans weigh heavily on his shoulders. The Real Madrid star is leading his countrymen in their World Cup campaign in Brazil and after a crushing 4-0 defeat to Germany in their opening match, morale is low for Portuguese fans but Ronaldo is the first one to try to get everyone back on board by releasing a video of thanks and asking for more support.

Ronaldo had just come off a victorious UEFA Champions League campaign with his club, Real Madrid before heading to Brazil to represent Portugal for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo had been nursing a thigh and knee injury weeks before the games due to knocks incurred during rigorous Champions League and La Liga seasons. He was finally declared fit to play for the opening match to the delight of their fans.

Unfortunately, Joachim Loew, Germany's coach, already had his sights set on Ronaldo and used Lahm and Boateng to effectively neutralize him on the pitch and didn't allow him to let his magic loose.

Portugal were dealt with even bigger blows as other members of the team were struck down by injury. Defender Fabio Coentrao has now been ruled out for the rest of the Cup. Hugo Almeida suffered a first grade tear in his left hamstring while goalkeeper Rui Patricio also suffered a grade one tear in his thigh.

They will also be missing Pepe who was sent off after foolishly head butting Thomas Mueller. Things are certainly looking bad for Portugal but Ronaldo makes a plea for their fans to continue supporting them. He says that he knows they were disappointed after the first match was lost but he says that it's not over yet and they are coming into the next match with confidence.

Portugal will be going up against the USA on Sunday in Manaus.

Watch the full video here: