Ronaldo had one of the few real chances to break the deadlock in a cagey, nervy, opening Group G tie when he hit the woodwork with a long range shot in the 10th minute.
Portugal survived a late scare when substitute Didier Drogba, controversially playing with a protective cast over his broken arm, failed to polish off an injury time attack.
Ronaldo, who picked up a yellow card and the man of the match award, reflected: "We haven't lost anything by this draw. This has happened to other teams like England (who drew 1-1 with the United States in their opening game).
"I would have far preferred to come away with three points than the man of the match award but we have to continue fighting.
"We now have to play North Korea, (followed by Group G favourites Brazil), we still have every chance of making it into the next round."
Ronaldo picked up a booking after a tackle by Guy Demel, who also went into referee Jorge Larrionda's book.
"I didn't understand the referee's decision, I respect it but he gave me a yellow and I didn't do anything, he thinks I dived."
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz believed a draw was a fair outcome.
"Now we still have six points to play for. Our next game is against a team (North korea) that are not candidates to go forward, so we'll see what comes out of that.
"After the second batch of matches will be the time too put our cards on the table, our last game will not be a time to defend."
He then had a word of praise for his side's skipper.
"Ronaldo today was fantastic as a captain, he set a great example. He made a great contribution, all great players have to defend and attack like he did today."
Drogba, who came on as a second half substitute a mere ten days after undergoing surgery for a broken arm, was more than satisfied with leaving Port Elizabeth with a share of the spoils.
"Yes I'm very happy, especially when we took a point from a dangeorus team like Portugal. We showed that we could put together some excellent moves," he said.
"Now we have to focus on Brazil.
"When you remember we lost our first two matches at the 2006 World Cup I think you can say we have started this one well.
"We displayed a really solid defence and we hope it will be as good when we take on Brazil.
"A good World Cup for us would be to produce great performances against our three first round rivals because Ivory Coast has only won a single game in its brief World Cup history.
"So we will try and win two matches here."
Share
