Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portuguese national team were handed a crushing defeat against Germany in their World Cup 2014 debut in Brazil.

Cristiano Ronaldo Held Scoreless In World Cup Debut

Ronaldo, who trained with his team at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador Sunday in preparation for Monday’s game, was held scoreless against Germany, unable to help his squad cut in to their opponent's 4-0 win. Prior to the game, Ronaldo, though eager to help his country’s team, admitted that it would take more than him to elevate them above Germany.

“I would like to be 110% fit but I am 100% fit and that should be enough to help the national team,” the Portugal captain said during his scheduled press conference, referring to his recovery from a knee injury. “I am here to help, I believe I can make a difference, but one player is not a team. I cannot carry the national side on my own.”

Ronaldo’s knee injury proved to be far less of a problem for the Portugal squad than Pepe’s first-half red card after head-butting a German player on the ground when they were already two goals down. Playing a man down for the duration of the match, the captain was unable to rally his team to victory – though his knee did hold up through the game.

Ronaldo and Portugal’s next World Cup game is against the United States Sunday, June 22 at 6 p.m. EST.