Confederations Cup 2017: Cristiano Ronaldo header gives Portugal win over Russia

Ronaldo grabs first goal at Confed Cup
Confederations Cup 2017: Cristiano Ronaldo header gives Portugal win over Russia
Author

23 June, 2017

Ronaldo netted the victor of the game with a first-half header to send the European champions to the top of Group A and all but secure a place in next week's semi-finals.

In continuation of their 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup campaign, all four sides return on Saturday to see whether they will advance to the semi-finals.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo jumps for the ball during the Confederations Cup, Group A soccer match between Russian Federation and Portugal, at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow, Wednesday, June 21, 2017.

Stanislav Cherchesov attempted to inject more attacking threat into the team as the second half wore on, introducing Dmitry Poloz and Aleksandr Bukharov in place of defenders Dmitry Kombaraov and Fedor Kudryashov - who in particular suffered a torrid evening at the hands of Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva on Russia's left flank.

Ronaldo said he was "very happy with the result", considering that "we played against the home crowd".

All Whites coach Anthony Hudson conceded the game was physical but suggested the competitive display of his unfancied team was behind the Mexicans' angry response to some incidents. "We appeared less apprehensive", he said.

Christiano Ronaldo 32, the Real Madrid striker who although recently signed a 5-yearar contract with his team back in November now wants out of Spain after Spanish prosecutors accused him of tax fraud of which he denies.

It was their first goal in 555 minutes of Confederations Cup football before Raul Jimenez and Oribe Peralta scored second-half goals for Mexico as the Kiwis faded.

"Raphael went to hospital, we think he might have fractured his leg", Portugal coach Fernando Santos said.

Only a superb one-handed reflex save from Akinfeev, who made his 100th global appearance, stopped Andre Silva's bullet header just after the break.

In spite of their best efforts, particularly in the second half, the tournament hosts could not find a way past Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio in this Group A encounter.

Portugal's midweek delight was in stark contrast to New Zealand's heartbreak at going down 2-1 to Mexico in Sochi.

In the first half, the new Zealanders are in no way inferior to one of the favorites of the group A, and therefore wood's goal shortly before half-time did not surprise anyone.

Russian Federation are third in Group A with three points, one behind co-leaders Portugal and Mexico.

"We know how to adapt to different opponents".

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Portugal's win took them to the top of their group ahead of Mexico's game against New Zealand moments after.

"I should've had probably two more".

The Oceania champions took a shock lead when Clayton Lewis threaded his pass between two defenders to Wood, who coolly fired home on 42 minutes.


More news


  • Hotpoint fridge-freezer identified as cause of Grenfell Tower fire

    It is understood the block is clad in Reynobond PE, the same brand of cladding believed to have been used on Grenfell Tower . Eight Islington tower blocks are under fire safety investigation in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster.

    Republican senators release health-care bill to cut Medicaid, erase tax boosts

    Obamacare also aided young people to get insured by allowing them to stay on their parent's insurance until they turn 26. The additional funds would continue through 2020, and be gradually reduced until they are entirely eliminated in 2024.
    Judges rule that 'Making a Murderer' confession was coerced

    Judges rule that 'Making a Murderer' confession was coerced

    The majority opinion by Rovner said " no reasonable court " could have any confidence that Dassey's confession was voluntary. Brendan Dassey , 27, was sentenced to life behind bars in 2007 over photographer Teresa Halbach's death two years earlier.
  • Kumble quits as India coach over Kohli spat

    Kumble quits as India coach over Kohli spat

    Sehwag, who seems to be the frontrunner for the job, believes it would be tough for anyone to match Kumble's success as coach. Since June 23 a year ago when Anil Kumble joined as the head coach, India have won 12 tests, lost one and drew four.
    McCain: Americans 'stupid' to travel to North Korea

    McCain: Americans 'stupid' to travel to North Korea

    Wednesday's discussions replace a sprawling strategic and economic dialogue held annually under the Obama administration. On Tuesday, Thornton cited Chinese restrictions on imports of North Korean coal as "notable" progress.
    Insurance study ties legal pot to boost in car crash claims

    Insurance study ties legal pot to boost in car crash claims

    They compared these rates to those of eight control states that had not enacted any significant changes in their marijuana laws . Mason Tvert with the Marijuana Policy Project, which fights to legalize marijuana, had something to say about that.
  • Your guide to Duke, UNC, NC State prospects in the NBA Draft

    Your guide to Duke, UNC, NC State prospects in the NBA Draft

    Celtics President Danny Ainge said after making the trade he thought he could get the player he wanted two spots lower. State sophomore guard Maverick Rowan aren't likely to be drafted on Thursday night.
    May presents bills in Queen's Speech to take Britain out of EU

    May presents bills in Queen's Speech to take Britain out of EU

    Soros was also adamant that Prime Minister Theresa May should seek to keep Britain in the EU's single market. Both are keen hikers and they exchanged presents reflecting their shared interest.
    Mysterious Planet 10 could be hiding out beyond Pluto

    Mysterious Planet 10 could be hiding out beyond Pluto

    A planetary mass object the size of Mars would be sufficient to produce the observed perturbations in the distant Kuiper Belt. One AU is the distance between the Sun and Earth, with Pluto at about 30 AU at closest approach.
  • 76ers take Markelle Fultz with No. 1 pick in 2017 National Basketball Association  draft

    76ers take Markelle Fultz with No. 1 pick in 2017 National Basketball Association draft

    Fultz also led the Pac-12 in scoring by nearly five points, giving UW the league's scoring crown for the second-straight year . The Lakers aren't a sure bet with the No. 2 pick and the Celtics could go a different direction than Josh Jackson at No. 3.
    Russia claims it has killed IS leader al-Baghdadi

    Russia claims it has killed IS leader al-Baghdadi

    Russia's defence ministry says Baghdadi was present at an ISIL meeting in Syria that was struck by Russian air force . Lavrov added on a cautious note that if al-Baghdadi's death is confirmed, its importance must not be overestimated.
    Eid-Ul-Fitr festival comes off on Monday, June 26

    Eid-Ul-Fitr festival comes off on Monday, June 26

    But the Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia are likely to celebrate it on Monday. This festival takes place in Dhu-al-Hijjah which is the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar .