Portugal face stern Chile test

Copa champs out to curb goal-king Ronaldo

KAZAN, Russia, June 27, (AFP): Copa America champions Chile will try to curb Portugal’s superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in Wednesday’s Confederations Cup semifinal with the goal-ace in rich form despite the tax storm brewing in Spain.

The 32-year-old converted a penalty in Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of New Zealand to claim his 75th international goal. The Real Madrid forward has now scored 16 times in his last 10 games for club and country.

Portugal’s captain will face tax evasion charges in a Madrid court next month, but has dazzled on the pitch in Russia, claiming man-of-the-match awards in all three games, netting two goals and providing an assist.

After steering Portugal to the Euro 2016 title in Paris a year ago, Ronaldo will want to claim a second international title in Sunday’s Confed Cup final in St Petersburg, against Mexico or Germany who meet in the other semifinal.

Ronaldo is closing in on the legendary Ferenc Puskas’ European record of 84 international goals, despite the off-field turmoil and constant speculation about his future, having threatened to quit Real.

“We all know he’s an amazing player, he’s very dangerous and can decide a game alone,” said Chile midfielder Marcelo Diaz, who has often faced Ronaldo with his club Celta Vigo, in Tuesday’s press conference.

“He has had an amazing season in Spain, he’s playing here with the same strength, which is why Portugal are in the semifinal.

“The main thing is trying to stop him getting the ball and scoring.”

Chile, who won the Copa America in both 2015 and 2016, will present Portugal with their toughest test so far in Russia, yet the South Americans have yet to

Australia’s defender Aziz Behich (left), vies with Chile’s defender Mauricio Isla during the 2017 Confederations Cup Group B football match between Chile

and Australia at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow on June 25. (AFP)