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LISBON, Portugal -- Cristiano Ronaldo sat out Portugals exhibition match against Greece on Saturday and his flair was sorely missed as the two World Cup-bound teams produced a tedious 0-0 draw. The muted game at the National Stadium in Lisbon did little to brighten the hopes of the two European teams ahead of the tournament in Brazil that begins June 12. The under-strength Portuguese lacked a spark that could have translated their sporadic forward moves into goals. As well as Real Madrid star Ronaldo, who is recuperating from a series of leg injuries and sore muscles, Portugal felt the absence of playmaker Joao Moutinho in midfield and Pepe in the central defence. Greece, though initially fielding its strongest team, looked ordinary and rarely got out of first gear. "One situation we have to be prepared for is not having our regular players available," Portugal coach Paulo Bento said. "We paid the price of our lack of effectiveness in attack." Portugal will start the World Cup in Group G with Germany, Ghana and the United States. Greece is in Group C with Colombia, Japan and Ivory Coast. With Nani busy on the right flank as the Manchester United player tried to make his mark after an injury-hit league season, Portugals best chances came in the first 10 minutes as Greek goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis tipped over a Bruno Alves header and dived low to his right to deny Ricardo Costa. A series of second-half substitutions sapped the games fluency. The Portuguese dominated possession but couldnt break down the solid Greek defence. Hugo Almeida found Nani unmarked on the right of the Greek penalty area in the 67th but the winger took too long to set up his shot. In the final minutes, Giorgos Karagounis slammed a close-range shot against goalkeeper Betos legs. 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The deal, which includes $16 million guaranteed, rewards Grimes for his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury that forced him to miss almost all of the 2012 season.For an individual who managed, controlled, manipulated, banned [including the BBC] and in some cases outright bullied members of the media - after months of radio silence, Sir Alex Ferguson has finally lifted the lid. Not of course the half measures type, Ferguson did so in the same type of dramatic style as like his team displayed in the closing minutes when winning the 1999 Champions League final at the Nou Camp. His wide ranging chat with Charlie Rose in the week likely caused a ripple effect on NYSE ticker symbol MANU. The timing could not have been better for the Chosen 1, David Moyes. His media prey brilliantly distracted and diverted by the person who told him in early May he would be the next Manchester United manager. Told Moyes? Not so much even an interview then. Head hunted Fergie style. Using the front of inviting Moyes round to the house for a late afternoon cup of tea it was. However, such relief away from the immense spotlight is always very temporary as Moyes will learn throughout his Old Trafford tenure. Having already suffered the three BPL defeats this early on in the season, although highly improbable, another defeat in Saturdays lunch time game at Sunderland and the word Beleaguered will attach itself like an anchor to Moyes. Mid table mediocrity is not what was in the plans. Nor the budget where a Champions League place is mandatory. It would likely spill over into Fergusons planned tour to promote his Autobiography which is scheduled for release October 24. Then just like the Spice Girls in their prime, right after his tome is released the Knight of the Realm goes on a short sold out tour of England, Scotland and Ireland. You couldnt invent this stuff even if you were Simon Fuller. Sorry Mr. Cowell. The precursor to all this was Fergusons fireside chat with Charlie Rose. Fergie positioning the brand impeccably with the US Academic set. As well briefed as Rose always is with his subjects Ferguson fully aware such disclosures like Romans 2003 approach would have lit a fire even under the most roll over belly tickling media types back in Manchester or London. Rose didnt even bat 1 of those famous eyelids to what is a pulse racing type disclosure. Too bad when Fergie came over all Kentucky Derby sophisticated Rose dont hit him with the twin force that is John Magnier and JP McManus. Old horse racing partners of Sir Alex - the three had an almighty fall out of all things the breeding rights of a thoroughbred Rock of Gibraltar. Who wouldnt in his prime look out of place at those immaculately manicured Churchill Downs lawns. In 2004, John Magnier and JP McManus were the largest shareholders of Manchester United. Such was the seething anger resulting from the horse nonsense they were reported to be willing accomplices to block attempts to extend Fergusons contract for any duration longer than 12 months. Ultimately, Magnier and McManus settled out of court with Fergguson regarding the horse, and sold their combined quarter stake in Manchester United to Malcolm Glazer.dddddddddddd Staying with the betting theme - with well-regarded UK bookmakers now doing a tidy business offering odds Ferguson would return to management Ferguson disclosed to Rose, You would be throwing your money down the drain if you put any money on me coming back as a manager. Adding, I made my decision. The timing was perfect. There is no way back for me now. Ive got a new life. The timing for Sir tied to Lady Fergusons loss late last year of her sister. Fergusons academic self was a central tenet and main theme of the Rose chat, the Rooney and Beckham references mere fodder for the red top tabloids of Manchester and London. We know now Fergies bucket list includes a trip to the Masters and a desire to visit Tuscany vineyards. Wonder if that type of discussions ever came up with the Mike Rileys and Graham Polls of the world during those world famous Old Trafford touchline chats. Hair dryers not required. The first wind I got of Fergusons non-football self was in a disclosure by Italys 2006 World Cup winning manager, Marcello Lippi who revealed he and Ferguson were extremely close friends. Nothing revealing there, apart from the fact when Sir Alex and Lippi conversed it wasnt in Gruff Glaswegian but French. Fergie the connoisseur. For all the silverware Ferguson collected, his immense abilities to rebuild, reinvent winning dynasties – the legacy he leaves behind does not though include any empirical evidence which would back up his theory Manchester United under Moyes will be successful. Something he explicitly stated to Rose. Get as adamant as you want, but this Sir Alex is completely out of even your immense control. Fergusons old sparring partners Arsene and José alongside others like AVB and Pellegrini will have a far larger say. When he bolted the Manchester United stable rather abruptly that crop of players Ferguson left behind, many of whom by their performances so far this season certainly appear past their sell by dates, also possess individually and collectively a large say. Until their shipping out is completed at least. Then the Euro stage, where by no means did Manchester United under Ferguson light it up in a manner even close to their domestic selves - Pep, Carlito, Jurgen and Bruno plus numerous others are light years ahead of Fergusons Chosen 1. Moreover, if the Moyes-Woodwood summer transfer window embarrassment coupled with Uniteds current annus horribilis season to date, is any indication then we may well be in for an extended winter of Manchester United discontent. You can reach and follow Noel Butler at:Noel.Butler@BellMedia.ca@TheSoccerNoel TSN & TEAM Radio is your BPL home for Double Header Saturday this season. Kicks Off with Tottenham Vs West Ham, pre-game at 9:30am et/6:30am pt. Followed by Sunderland vs. Manchester United at 12:30pm et/9:30am pt. ' ' '