Real Madrid assistant coach Zinedine Zidane has hailed the "genius" of Cristiano Ronaldo and is expecting the Portugal international to "light the grass on fire" in this summer's World Cup.
The 29-year-old has struck 54 goals for club and country this season - including a competition record haul of 16 in the Champions League.
The former Manchester United ace also proved highly influential in helping his country book their ticket to Brazil by scoring all four in a 4-2 aggregate win over Sweden in a qualification playoff.
"Ronaldo is an exciting talent. We see him train every day at Real Madrid and believe me, he is simply a genius," Zidane told The Times of India.
"I don't see why he cannot carry his club form into the World Cup. What he has been achieving for Real Madrid is amazing.
"He is the best according to us, and I have every reason to believe that Cristiano will set the grass on fire."
Ronaldo pulled out of the Blancos' end-of-season clash with Espanyol on Saturday but is expected to be fit for next week's Champions League final with rivals Atletico Madrid.
Shane Callaghan
