Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal face early World Cup exit

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal face a sobering early World Cup exit on Thursday even if their world footballer of the year produces pyrotechnics in their final group game against Ghana.

The Real Madrid player came to the World Cup bracketed alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Brazil’s Neymar as one of a triumvirate of true global superstars.

But while the Barcelona pair have produced moments of sublime skill and goals, the attention surrounding Ronaldo has mainly focused on the health or otherwise of his troublesome left knee.

Portugal — fourth in the FIFA world rankings — are rock bottom of Group G with a solitary point from their matches against Germany and the United States, both of whom have four points…