Portugal coach Paulo Bento says it was vital that he was able to scribble Cristiano Ronaldo's name down on his teamsheet to face group favourites Germany.

"A player like Ronaldo is important for any team, and that's the case for us," says ex-Portugal midfielder Bento, who you may remember was banned for six months after manhandling an official at Euro 2000., external

"It's good that he is back. Group G has a team in Germany who may be considered favourites because of their history and potential, but it is a very balanced group."

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker on Twitter:, external Hair slicked back, eyebrows shaped, abs ripped, knee strapped, Ronaldo is primed and ready!

Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo reckons he does not "have to demonstrate anything" at the World Cup - despite only having scored two goals in 10 tournament appearances. That's the same as Scotland's John Wark by the way.

"I believe one player is not a team, I'm here in the national team to help," says Ronnie. "I'm an additional player, I can make a difference in some of the games, but I can't carry the whole team on my back."

And I believe that was said without a hint of irony. You may remember he almost single-handedly carried Portugal to Brazil, scoring all four goals - including a sensational second-leg hat-trick - in their play-off win against Sweden.

Portugal and Manchester United midfielder Nani on Twitter:, external My dream was always to play in the World Cup. Today it finally comes true!

David Ornstein
BBC Sport in Salvador

"This could be a very special day for Germany striker Miroslav Klose, who stands just one goal behind ex-Brazil striker Ronaldo's record of 15 World Cup goals. Now 36, the Lazio striker does not start today but he is likely to be given a run-out towards the end.

"Klose has spread his goals over the last four World Cups and recently became Germany's all-time leading scorer when he netted against Armenia to break Gerd Muller's record of 68 strikes.

"Speaking to the media here at Arena Fonte Nova after training on Sunday, coach Joachim Low said: "I would be very happy if he achieves this historic mark, but statistics are secondary.

"He's not impressed by the hullabaloo surrounding a tournament and I believe he is absolutely vital as a player for this tournament."

Justin Bryant:, external I'm not sure if Ronaldo can take Portugal all the way to the World Cup final final. He's a great player but are the side good enough!?

Steven McNamara:, external You can't judge a player on the World Cup, Pele never done it in Europe, Hurst won it and was nowhere near the class of Suarez.

Can Cristiano Ronaldo help his team to victory over the Germans? Or will Joachim Low's men be too strong for Portugal? Share your views on Twitter via #bbcworldcup,, external text 81111 (UK users only) or post on BBC Sport Facebook., external

Image source, Getty Images

Germany coach Joachim Low, sporting a crisply ironed black shirt, is just each a pair of dark shades away from resembling Will Smith in Men in Black. His assistant Oliver Bierhoff does his best Tommy Lee impression by donning the wayfarers.

The German staff look relaxed as they survey the scene at pitchside in the Arena Fonte Nova.

Tony Pulis
Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live

"I am expecting an open game again. Everyone seems to be playing complete football when they get the ball and the better teams will pick you off. You need then right balance to be able to keep clean sheets.

"Germany have some top, top players and it will be interesting to see how they cope with the Portugal attack."

BBC Radio 5 live

The build-up to this afternoon's action has already started on BBC Radio 5 live, with Mark Pougatch presenting live from Copacabana beach.

You can then listen to full live commentary of Germany v Portugal from 17:00 BST with commentator Darren Fletcher (not the Manchester United midfielder) joined by Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis in Salvador.

Don't forget you can listen live by clicking on the Live Coverage tab at the top of this page, as well as following live text commentary of the game here.

Cristiano Ronaldo turned up at recent training sessions sporting ice packs and flimsy bandages around his troublesome left knee, but finally allayed any lingering fears over his fitness at Sunday's pre-match news conference.

"I'm at 100%. I want to have a great World Cup. If I'm not ready, if I'm not feeling well, I'm the first to tell the coach I can't play," said the grinning Portugal skipper, before signing off with a cheeky wink to the cameras. He is ready - and the Portuguese media are lapping it up.

"Ronaldo is 100% - and ready to give all," says Portuguese daily Diario de Noticias.

"Ronaldo - in the centre of the universe," adds A Bola.

Shay:, external Starting with four CBs and without a proper striker may well cost the Germans. Hoping for a @Cristiano master-class today.

Phil Clarke:, external #GERvsPOR should be a good game. Will Ronaldo be able to drag his side to victory against a team that's talented to a man?

Adam:, external Germany are the only team that could start 4 centre halfs across the back four...

Share your views on Twitter via #bbcworldcup,, external text 81111 (UK users only) or post on BBC Sport Facebook., external

Earlier, we saw both sets of players saunter into the stadium and it was Germany who won the early battle. The Germans eased to a 6-1 victory in the players-wearing-headphones game, although Cristiano Ronaldo's sunglasses and baseball cap (worn backwards of course) was a game-changer. Now each team is out on a sun-kissed Salvador pitch to go through their pre-match warm-ups.

George Best. George Weah. Ryan Giggs. World-class players whose 'International Experience' section in their footballing CVs were ruined by their country of birth.

Unlike this unfortunate trio, Cristiano Ronaldo has been lucky enough to play at a World Cup finals. But unless his Portugal side upset the odds and lift the trophy in the Maracana next month, then there will be a gaping hole in his trophy cabinet.

Can C-Ron help his team to victory over the Germans? Or will Joachim Low's men prove too strong? Let us know in the usual ways - #bbcworldcup on Twitter, by texting 81111, or by posting on our Facebook page.

David Ornstein
BBC Sport in Salvador

Image source, BBC Sport

"It's currently a sweltering 32C in sunkissed Salvador and of the fans I've seen excitedly milling around Arena Fonte Nova 90 minutes before kick-off, it's those of a Portuguese persuasion who look a little more acclimatised. One of them is Diogo Malato from Lisbon and he says the Selecao are quietly confident about their chances in Brazil.

"'We want to win the World Cup and are always hopeful that this time we will do it,' he explains. 'We went to the European Championship final once, never in the World Cup, but we feel we might do it this year. We have a slight hope of doing it, a hidden hope.

"'This is the last chance for this generation and we need Cristiano Ronaldo at 100%, or 80% at least, to stand a chance.'"

And what a starter we have on today's menu - Germany v Portugal. Second in the world rankings versus fourth. The three-time winners against the two-time semi-finalists. Philipp Lahm v Cristiano Ronaldo. I'm salivating already.

But, as ever, all eyes are focused on Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo. The Portugal skipper has been nursing a knee problem in recent weeks, causing consternation among his nation's media and fans. A 'will he/won't he play' debate has raged over the past few weeks, but I think, deep down, in our hearts of hearts, we all knew the answer. Ronaldo plays.

Hello! You may have already consumed a bellyful of World Cup action, but more and more tasty treats keep getting shoved in front of your eyes. It's like being sat in the all-you-can-eat buffet, knowing your stomach is about to explode, but not having the willpower to say no.

We've enjoyed a feast of goals over the past four days - and we're ready to tuck into plenty more. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to day five of the 2014 Fifa World Cup.

You've seen him tear up the Premier League with Manchester United.

Image source, Getty Images

You've seen him annihilate La Liga with Real Madrid.

Image source, Getty Images

You've seen him smash up the Champions League with both clubs.

Image source, Getty Images

But what you haven't seen is Cristiano Ronaldo dominate the World Cup finals with Portugal.

Image source, Getty Images

Can the world's best player (yes, you read that right Lionel) finally deliver on the biggest stage of them all?

Germany starting XI: Neuer, Boateng, Hummels, Mertesacker, Howedes, Lahm (c), Khedira, Ozil, Muller, Kroos, Gotze.

Portugal starting XI: Patricio, Alves, Pepe, Veloso, Coentrao, Ronaldo (c), Moutinho, Almeida, Meireles, Nani, Pereira.

Germany's Philipp Lahm and Manuel Neuer have recovered from the injuries that hampered them in the build-up to the World Cup.

Lahm could move from right-back into the defensive midfield role he plays for club side Bayern Munich.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start despite being troubled by tendonitis in his left knee in recent weeks.

Young defensive midfielder William Carvalho is in line for a start.