Skip to content

Cristiano Ronaldo confident of Portugal's Confederations Cup chances

Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo gestures as he leaves the pitch after being substituted during the 2017 Confederations Cup group A football match betw
Image: Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty in the 4-0 win over New Zealand

Cristiano Ronaldo feels Portugal should now have their eye on winning the Confederations Cup after securing a place in the semi-finals after a 4-0 win over New Zealand in St Petersburg.

The Euro 2016 champions took the lead on 33 minutes through a penalty from their captain, his 75th international goal, before Manchester City-bound midfielder Bernardo Silva knocked in a second from close range only to pick up an ankle injury which saw him substituted at the break.

Forward Andre Silva wrapped up the comfortable victory with a fierce angled finish on 80 minutes and Nani added a fourth in stoppage time.

With hosts Russia losing against Mexico in Kazan, Portugal progressed as Group A winners, while the All Whites finished bottom following a third straight defeat.

It remains to be seen who Fernando Santos' men will next meet in Kazan on Wednesday, but Real Madrid forward Ronaldo told reporters the focus now should be on lifting the trophy back at the Krestovsky Stadium on July 2.

Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo (L) celebrates with Portugal's defender Pepe after scoring a penalty during the 2017 Confederations Cup group A footba
Image: Ronaldo (left) celebrates with Pepe

"We are very happy to be in the semi-finals," he said.

"We played very well, we wanted to win and get the result in the first half, [but] it was hard to play better than we played because the grass [on the pitch] was not very good.

Also See:

"We know that in the semi-finals both Chile and Germany are great teams, but we are confident and want to win."

While Chile and Germany are currently top of Group B, Australia or Cameroon could yet progress to the knockout stage with an unexpected victory on Sunday.

Portugal coach Santos said at a press conference: "I will analyse the opponents and prepare the game regardless of who we will play.

"It is another phase, totally different, but the aim is to win.

"We have to be better and more consistent, stronger in both ways. You have to try to reach the goal and prevent them from scoring."

Around Sky