Wayne Rooney recalls World Cup red and as has no sympathy for Portugal

• 'It would be nice to see Portugal not there,' says Rooney
• Striker happy that Ronaldo was criticised after World Cup 2006

Wayne Rooney is the hope that Portugal and its former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo does not qualify for the finals next year. The England striker was sent off when the two countries met in 2006 and the aftermath of that incident has not been forgotten by Rooney.

England, who were beaten in the quarterfinals and Portugal also eliminated in the same stage of Euro 2004. "It would be nice to see Portugal there because [our] last two tournaments they have beaten us," Rooney said. Ronaldo's side, currently third in a group likely to be won by Denmark.

After Rooney stamped on Portugal's Ricardo Carvalho in the quarter finals in Cup, he led the protests and was shoved by Rooney before the referee, Hector Elizondo waved a red card in the 62nd minute. The Portugal forward then seemed a nod to his country coaches and substitutes on the bench....[source]