Russia won't single out Ronaldo: Berezutsky

WARSAW, POLAND – JUNE 16: Aleksey Berezutskiy of Russia and Giorgos Samaras of Greece battle for the ball during the UEFA EURO 2012 group A match between Greece and Russia at The National Stadium on June 16, 2012 in Warsaw, Poland.

Moscow, Oct 11 – Russia won’t single out Ronaldo for special treatment in Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Portugal, said defender Alexei Berezutsky.

The Group F clash could go a long way in deciding the fate of two teams expected to qualify for Brazil 2014. Berezutsky said the task of Fabio Capello’s men extends far beyond isolating the Real Madrid star, who is in red-hot form in Spain.

“I think that Portugal are a very good team and there is no sense to single out one player,” said Berezutsky Wednesday. Berezutsky is expected to be a substitute behind his twin brother, regular starter Vasily.

“We don’t care whether he will play or not,” the CSKA Moscow defender said.

Ronaldo has been ruled fit to play despite spraining his shoulder in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Barcelona, where he scored both of his team’s goals.

Russia, meanwhile, have a clean bill of health.

“Everybody has trained in the general group, everybody is ready to play. The team’s spirit should be competitive,” added the defender.

Russia and Portugal top Group F after winning their first two matches last month.