Saint Petersburg: Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his delight at firing Portugal into the Confederations Cup semifinals after netting his 75th international goal in Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of New Zealand.
“I’m very happy to be in the semifinals. We’re confident and want to win,” said Ronaldo, who picked up his third straight man-of-the-match award in Russia.
The 32-year-old has a court date in Madrid next month, accused by Spanish authorities of tax evasion, and the fallout has resulted in Ronaldo threatening to leave Real.
Despite the off-field turmoil and constant speculation about his future, the Portugal captain has dazzled on the pitch in Russia and scored two goals in three matches.
Ronaldo converted a 33rd-minute penalty to fire the Euro 2016 winners in front in Saint Petersburg before Bernardo Silva turned in a second goal four minutes later.
Andre Silva added a third on 80 minutes before Nani completed the rout in stoppage time to ensure Portugal finished above Mexico on goal difference.
“I thought we played well in many parts of the game; in others, not so well. Overall though, it was a fair victory,” said Portugal coach Fernando Santos.
Ronaldo’s latest goal sent him level with Hungary great Sandor Kocsis and to within nine of the legendary Ferenc Puskas’ European record of 84 at international level.
After demolishing the New Zealand, Portugal progressed as Group ‘A’ winners and will now face the runners-up in the Group ‘B’ most likely Germany or Chile on next Wednesday in Kazan to seal a place in the July 2 final.
Mexico eliminated hosts Russia with a 2-1 win to join Portugal on seven points, with the Gold Cup winners to meet the second-placed side from Group ‘B’ in the last four.
Courageous Lozano
Hirving Lozano’s courageous second-half header sealed Mexico’s comeback victory over 10-man Russia in Kazan with 2-1 score.
Hosts Russia took a deserved 25th-minute lead through Aleksandr Samedov, but Nestor Araujo equalised for Mexico with a looping header on the half hour.
