Basle - Portuguese star striker Cristiano Ronaldo praised Spain Sunday and challenged the team coached by Luis Aragones to play the final of Euro 2008 against Portugal.

"I would like Spain as a rival for the final. It is playing very well," Ronaldo said.

Ronaldo - courted by Real Madrid to Manchester United's displeasure - praised Spain's top goalscorer, David Villa.

As to Portugal's likely rival for the quarterfinals, Ronaldo said he had no preference.

"I do not mind if it is Germany or France. We are playing very well and I trust Portugal whatever the rival," he said.

The ManU forward was speaking after Portugal's 2-0 defeat against Switzerland in Basle, in which he was on the bench since Portugal were already qualified for the quarterfinals.

"I do not like not playing, but it is the coach's decision and I respect it," he stressed. (dpa)