Scolari warns Ronaldo to cool it

AAP - PORTUGAL coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has warned Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo to control his temper at the World Cup.

The fiery winger received a yellow card in a 3-0 warm-up win over Luxembourg in Metz, France, on Saturday.

"It's a situation that worries me because the majority of our opponents provoke Cristiano and he does not know how to deal with it," said Scolari.

"Our opponents know that if they get at Cristiano he will react this way. Cristiano has to understand that he is part of a group and these attitudes hurt the entire group and not just him.

"We need to show Cristiano the difficulties which he has to face because decisive games are coming up. I am sure he will listen to me and his teammates because it is crucial that this type of imprudent act not be repeated at the World Cup."

Ronaldo, 21, got a yellow card in the 31st-minute against Luxembourg, after being fouled and pushing opponent Jeff Strasser in the throat. Romaldo apologised for the incident after the match: "You can see my foot and leg, this was not easy but this doesn't justify my reaction. I expect not to do it again so as not to be penalised at the World Cup," he said.

Portugal is pooled with Mexico, Iran and Angola in World Cup Group D, it first match against debutant Angola in Cologne on Sunday.