Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo believes the pressure is off his country as they prepare for a daunting group at Euro 2012.  

After being forced to qualify via the playoffs for the tournament, the Portuguese are not being talked up as potential champions, especially as they share Group B with Germany and the Netherlands.  

'We know we are in the group of death with Germany, Netherlands and the team who knocked us out (to the playoff) in the qualification phase, which was Denmark,' Ronaldo told Bwin.

Underdog: Cristiano Ronaldo says he likes that the pressure is off

'Those are going to be some very tough matches but I am confident we will go past the group phase. I know we will not be favourites. Even better!' he added.  

Portugal faced whistles from their fans after a disappointing 0-0 home draw against Macedonia on Saturday left question marks over the team's form.  

They play Turkey in a friendly at the weekend, their final test before leaving for Poland where the 27-year-old Real Madrid forward's trickery, pace and ferocious shots are expected to be a highlight.  

While he would love to captain Portugal to a first major success, Ronaldo said he expected Spain to retain their title.  

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