Lisbon - Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has warned Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo to control his temper at the World Cup in Germany after he received a yellow card at a warm-up match over the weekend.
"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," he told state-run television RTP.
"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," he added.
"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 beacause 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 after being fouled and pushing opponent Jeff Strasser in the throat during Portugal's 3-0 warm-up win over Luxembourg in Metz, France on Saturday.
The winger 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 are pooled with Mexico, Iran and Angola in World Cup Group D with their first match against debutants Angola in Cologne, Germany, on June 11, two days after the start of the tournament.
