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maltatoday WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2018 Sport 20 SPORTTODAY FOOTBALL Ronaldo makes everything possible for Portugal at World Cup, says Mourinho MANCHESTER United man- ager Jose Mourinho believes "nothing is impossible" for Portugal at this year's World Cup in Russia with Cristiano Ronaldo in the team. The 33-year-old Real Ma- drid forward played a crucial role in helping his country to Euro 2016 glory in France, and has enjoyed another im- pressive campaign with his Spanish club, scoring 42 goals in all competitions. "Portugal has an interesting squad," Mourinho told ESPN Brazil. "Without Cristiano, it would be impossible. But with him nothing is impos- sible." The former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Por- to manager also shared simi- lar sentiments about Argen- tina, who led by Lionel Messi, are chasing their first World Cup crown since 1986. "I believe that the Argen- tinian national team without Lionel Messi wouldn't be a contender," the 55-year-old Portuguese added. "But with him, it is one of the favour- ites." Mourinho said five-times champions Brazil have one of the most settled squads head- ing into the tournament, with the right mix of tactical f lex- ibility and individual talent. "I like very much the basic structure of Brasil, its tactic and mentality," he said. "There is a mixture between Brazilian natural talent, with a serious approach, physical, tactical. "It is a team capable of de- fending well, allowing few goals, with a good support base. And then up front with Willian, Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus... all players with outstanding qualities." Liverpool's Gomez to miss Champions League final after ankle surgery LIVERPOOL defender Joe Gomez will miss the Cham- pions League final this month after undergoing surgery on his ankle, the Premier League club said yesterday The 20-year-old, who made his England debut last year, will also not be fit for the World Cup in June. Gomez injured his ankle while on international duty with Eng- land in March, and his recent Premier League games against West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City aggravated the prob- lem. He was not part of Liver- pool's squad for their Champi- ons League semi-final second leg against AS Roma last week and also missed their weekend league defeat at Chelsea. "Liverpool can confirm Joe Gomez has undergone an op- eration on an ankle injury," the club said in a statement. Gomez should be ready for the start of Liverpool's pre-sea- son training schedule in July, it added. Gomez has played regularly under England manager Gareth Southgate since making his in- ternational debut against Ger- many last November. His absence will be a blow for his country, given Southgate's preferred tactic of employing a three-man central defence. "Gutted to confirm that my season for both club and country is over having under- gone successful ankle surgery," Gomez wrote on his Instagram account. "Been a tough few weeks try- ing everything possible to be available on the pitch to help the team. "I'm going to do all I can to get back and be in the best possible shape for pre-season. The focus now is to support the team in the two biggest games of the season!" Third-placed Liverpool host Brighton and Hove Albion in their last match of the Premier League season on Sunday. They then play Real Madrid in the Champions League final on May 26.