CR10 leaps to Roo’s defence

Cristiano Ronaldo has leapt to the defence of former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney. This comes after the England striker faced harsh criticism for his lacklustre and sluggish performances in England’s first two World Cup games. "Wayne Rooney tried very hard, he's always like that, but he didn't play alone,” commented Ronaldo on Sunday. "So it's difficult, when it's not coming, when you don't score a goal or play well, it is always the big players' fault. Wayne is a great player and will do a good job. He'll try very hard to do a good job." Ronaldo, who should be in Portugal’s team to face North Korea on Monday, has also suffered a barren spell at international level, having failed to score for his country since Euro 2008.