SPORTS:Zlatan Ibrahimovic denies applauding Ronaldo

Paris Saint-Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has denied applauding Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese star sealed his hat-trick and Portugal's place in the World Cup finals on Tuesday night.

Ibrahimovic was filmed clapping while Ronaldo celebrated his third strike, but contrary to reports suggesting it was a mark of respect to his opponent, the Swedish forward has insisted it was to encourage his fellow team mates.