Subject :ion but lowered his ERA to 2.05 in eight starts. Herrera, Gomezs replacem
CAMPINAS, Brazil -- Cristiano Ronaldo again wore a brace on his troublesome left knee Friday, triggering a new wave of questions over his health as his Portugal team held its final World Cup training session before departing for a crucial game against the United States. nike air max 90 dames schoenen . The reigning world player of the year took part in some light workouts with the first team, followed by stretching. He was smiling and appeared at ease at practice at the team base in Campinas, northwest of Sao Paulo, as he took part in a playful game of keep away from teammates. The team was set to leave later in the day for Manaus for its matchup with the U.S. on Sunday. Portugal was humiliated in a 4-0 defeat by Germany in their opener. Another loss and the fourth-ranked team in the world could be eliminated even before its final Group G game against Ghana. Ronaldo has been hampered by tendinitis and a muscle injury since before the tournament, creating plenty of speculation about how he would perform in Brazil. He was doubtful to play before the Germany game, but declared himself fit and went on to produce a subdued performance that only added to the usual drama and scrutiny surrounding the player. Team officials dismissed reports suggesting that Ronaldo could be risking his health by playing, saying they were tired of having to deny every rumour about a player many consider to be the worlds best. They noted, however, that he often plays with a brace and said hes healthy and would play against the U.S. Teammate Helder Postiga also expressed frustration over the media circus around Ronaldo. "I have already answered so many questions about Cristiano Ronaldo. Actually we speak about him every day. If I am sick of it, imagine how he is feeling," Postiga said. "If he is available enough to train with us thats probably because he is feeling well. Hes been training with us all these days and as usual he always gives his best. Hes just fine." Ronaldo has been one of the best players in the world for about a decade, and last year he even passed Lionel Messi by ending the Argentina forwards streak of winning the FIFA Ballon dOr. He has also excelled on the world stage, helping Portugal reach the 2004 European Championship final and the 2006 World Cup semifinals. The team also advanced out of the group stage at both Euro 2008 and the last World Cup, and then reached the semifinals at Euro 2012. Although he is Portugals all-time record scorer with 49 goals in 111 appearances, Ronaldo scored just twice in the last two World Cups. Adidas Zx 700 Heren . Owens was roughed up in Torontos 20-9 defeat to Montreal on Tuesday, needing treatment twice after hurting his neck and taking a hard shot to the abdomen. In other news from Fridays practice, Jerious Norwood took most of the snaps at running back for Curtis Steele. Norwood also did some returning, although Milanovich said returns would likely be done by committee. Adidas Zx 700 Dames Sale . Edwin Encarnacion hit two of Torontos season-high five home runs as the Blue Jays capped a two-game mini-sweep of Philadelphia by outscoring the Phillies 12-6 on Thursday at Rogers Centre. MILWAUKEE -- Chris Stewart quickly has become familiar with the repertoire of tough Milwaukee closer Francisco Rodriguez. It paid off for the backup catcher Wednesday night. One night after grounding out in a nine-pitch at-bat against Rodriguez, Stewarts single keyed a three-run burst in the ninth inning and sent the Pirates past Milwaukee 4-1, ending the Brewers three-game winning streak. "I saw quite a few pitches from him (Tuesday) night, so I think that helped going into the at-bat," Stewart said. "He stayed away from me (Tuesday) night, so it gave me a read on what he was going to try and do in that situation." Rodriguez (1-1) threw two quick strikes to Stewart, but left a changeup high on the outside corner of the plate on his third pitch and the Pirates catcher belted it to centre, allowing pinch-runner Clint Barmes to score from second with the go-ahead run. "It was a big swing of the bat for us," Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle said. Rodriguez had given up only one run in 21 innings in his first 21 games. But the Pirates tagged the Milwaukee closer for four consecutive hits to beat the Brewers for only the second time in nine games. Rodriguez said he was having a trouble with all his pitches and left both his fastball and changeup high in the strike zone against the Pirates. "Unfortunately, it wasnt my day," he said. "I didnt perform at the level I was expecting or everyone else was expecting. You just have to turn the page quick and be ready for the next day." Milwaukee managed only six hits and went 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position minus Carlos Gomez. The star centre fielder dropped his appeal Wednesday and began a three-game suspension for his part in a bench-clearing fracas at Pittsburgh on Easter Sunday. "We didnt swing the bat that well," Milwaukee manager Ron Roenicke said. Ike Davis singled pastt diving first baseman Mark Reynolds in the Pittsburgh ninth and Jordy Mercer singled sharply to centre. Nike Air Max 90 VT Heren. Stewart, making only his eighth start of the season, then singled to centre. The throw from Gomez replacement, Elian Herrera, was wide of the plate, allowing pinch-runner Clint Barmes to score without a play and snap a 1-all tie. Starling Marte, playing for the first time since exiting Saturday with tightness in his back, then hit a two-run double to the centre-field wall. Tony Watson (4-0) pitched a scoreless eighth. Mark Melancon worked the ninth for his fifth save in six chances. Pittsburgh won for just the fifth time in 16 road games. Pirates starter Francisco Liriano rebounded from two straight mediocre outings, but remained winless in nine starts. He received his fifth consecutive no-decision after allowing one run on four hits and a walk while striking out seven in six innings. "I expect the best is yet to come from Frank," Hurdle said. "Its just what I believe. Its the time of the year for him when he normally makes his move." Milwaukee starter Wily Peralta had another strong outing, giving one run on five hits and a walk while striking out four in seven innings. The right-hander received a no-decision but lowered his ERA to 2.05 in eight starts. Herrera, Gomezs replacement, went 0 for 4 and grounded out to strand Khris Davis at third in a 1-all game to end the seventh. NOTES: Brewers LHP Tom Gorzelanny threw two scoreless innings in his first rehab start for Single-A Brevard County against Fort Myers in the Florida State League. He allowed a hit and a walk while striking out one while coming back from off-season surgery on his left shoulder. ... Trainers examined Liriano in the fifth inning, but the left-hander stayed in the game. He said he slipped on the mound but didnt suffer any injury. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' ' |
