Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves has insisted Cristiano Ronaldo is in spectacular form ahead of their opening game against Ghana.

The Black Stars who are returning to the global showpiece after missing out in Russia 2018 has been housed in Group H against Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea.

Ghana will open their campaign with a clash against former European champions Portugal before taking on South Korea and Uruguay in subsequent games.

According to Neves, Ronaldo looks like his old self and has therefore warned the Black Stars to be warry of the 37-year-old.

“From what I’ve seen in training, he’s in spectacular shape,” Neves told a news conference in tournament host Qatar on Sunday. “He doesn’t worry us at all, we as a team know perfectly well what we need to work on so that each individual stands out on game day.”

“If we’re good as a team, Cristiano will be phenomenal.”

Neves also says the legendary footballer's interview that has dominated headlines recently has no effect on the Seleçao ahead of their World Cup campaign.

Ronaldo has been the most talked about footballer in recent days after an astonishing interview with TalkTV presenter Piers Morgan, with series of remarkable claims about Manchester United causing a lot of stir.

However, midfielder Neves insists the interview has not distracted Portugal's preparations towards the World Cup in Qata

“Sure, it’s impossible for us to walk around without been asked about the controversy, but I don’t think there’s any controversy at all between us in the changing room,” added 25-year-old Neves. “We have a spectacular environment right here.”

After missing Thursday’s friendly against Nigeria in Lisbon due to a stomach problem, the former Real Madrid has trained with the group and look set for the Ghana clash.