PER MERTESACKER has taunted Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Germany’s grudge opener with Portugal, June 7 2012



The Arsenal centre-half is back from injury and should start against goal machine Ronaldo on Saturday. Mertesacker insisted the Real Madrid idol has never troubled Germany. He said: “We’ve managed to nip in the bud any of Ronaldo’s efforts in past matches against Portugal and must try to avoid at all costs one-on-one situations. He’s as fast as lightning and a master of football trickery but we will be practising how to stop him.” Mertesacker insisted Germany’s team ethic will beat Portugal’s individual quality. He added: “They have excellent individuals but we will oppose it with team spirit. Our strength is we can respond as a team of 11 so that will be key.”