Ronaldo still eyeing top player prize

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo still believes he can win the prestigious Ballon D'Or award despite his country's Euro 2012 exit.

The winner of the 2012 award, which merged with the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2010, is announced next January.
Ronaldo's Barcelona rival Lionel Messi has scooped the prize in the last three years and remains in contention again after scoring 82 goals for club and country last season.
Ronaldo scored 60 goals of his own for Real Madrid en route to the Primera Liga title and many people had suggested his displays in Poland and Ukraine could be the deciding factor between the two.
The 27-year-old is still joint-top scorer on three goals, although he cannot now increase his tally following Portugal's semi-final exit at the hands of holders Spain on Wednesday.
Despite his semi-final heartbreak the former Manchester United man is confident he will still be declared 2012's best footballer at the end of the year.
"The golden ball? I am always confident," he said.
"Every year I try to be there. It depends on the people who choose but I'm confident I will win it.
"I'm happy with the way I have performed this season, both with my club and with the national team."