Cristiano Ronaldo played down his mouth-watering World Cup clash against Didier Drogba on Sunday, insisting that Portugal must not get distracted by the challenge posed by the Ivory Coast star.

The two sides clash in a crucial Group G match at Port Elizabeth on Tuesday just before pool rivals Brazil meet North Korea in Johannesburg.

"We know all about Drogba, he's a great player," said Ronaldo.

"But we can't get preoccupied by him. We must concentrate on our team, our tactics and our ambitions. That's the only way to win."

Portugal endured a troubled qualifying campaign, having to come through a two-legged play-off against Bosnia-Hercegovina to make sure of their place in the finals.

But Ronaldo insists those troubled times are behind them as the 2006 semi-finalists target a place in the knockout round.

"The most important thing is to get to the second round and if it's as group winners, that would be better," said the 25-year-old Real Madrid star.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP