Portugal soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo told a Reuters' reporter on Wednesday that he didn't care soccer fans were hissing at what they believed to be him feigning injury in the semifinals against France on Tuesday

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo laughs during a World Cup soccer training session in Munich July 6, 2006. [Reuters]

"Anyone who understands soccer saw that the referee wasn't fair," Ronaldo said.

"It didn't worry me at all. I don't care. I just do my best to help Portugal advance," he said.

The 21-year-old asked for another similar call when he went down again in the penalty area trying to reach a cross in the game.

He claimed he was pushed by France defender Willy Sagnol, but referee Jorge Larrionda of Uruguay waved away the Portuguese appeals for a penalty.

Portugal head coach Scolari conceded his player Carvalho's challenge on Henry was a penalty, but he was adamant that his team should have had one, too when Ronaldo went down.

"I don't like to be involved controversy, the game was full of fouls deserved yellow cards, but the ref didn't make the calls," Ronaldo said after Portugal was defeated by France.

It's not only Ronaldo that has been accused of play-acting and feigning injury on the turf in this World Cup, but other soccer players are as well.

Page:

1

2