World Cup 2014 Predictions: Cristiano Ronaldo Thinks Portugal Could Surprise

Cristiano Ronaldo thinks that Portugal could be a surprising team at the upcoming World Cup.

The superstar told the media that he acknowledged his team's position with pundits but believed that it could help the team pull off a surprise.

"Without Portugal the World Cup would not have been the same," Ronaldo said, according to ESPN. "We are not contenders for the title, maybe this way we can take some of the pressure off. We have to be aware that this will be a really difficult World Cup, in a very nice country which is our friend."

Ronaldo and company recently pulled off a 4-2 aggregate win over Sweden in the World Cup playoffs. However, the team wound up in that position thanks to a poor performance in a group that it was largely expected to win.

Ronaldo has been playing some of the best soccer of his entire career in the last few months and if he maintains his form then he could potentially lead Portugal far into the tournament. Few will forget his clutch performance against the Netherlands in the final group game of the Euro 2012 in which he scored two goals and secured qualification for his nation. He also scored the game winner against the Czechs in the knockout rounds.

There are a few factors to consider, however. Portugal could be drawn into a tough group on Friday and that will weigh heavily on the nation's chances of making a deep run. Furthermore, Ronaldo is currently out with an injury and must be in top form to have any chance at World Cup glory. While Portugal is competent, the team showed against Sweden that it relies heavily on its superstar to thrive.