Kiwis’ relief as Ronaldo rested
GROUP A: SANTOS ROTATES SIDE AS PORTUGAL EYE SEMIS
Mexico confident of inflicting another defeat on hosts Russia.
Portugal are set to rest Cristiano Ronaldo for today’s clash against New Zealand as the Euro 2016 winners look to clinch their place in next week’s Confederations Cup semifinals.
Ronaldo brushed off allegations of tax evasion in Spain with Man-of-the-Match performances in the 2-2 draw with Mexico and 1-0 victory over hosts Russia, when he scored the winner.
Fernando Santos is expected to rotate his squad against the already-eliminated Kiwis.
New AC Milan signing Adrien Silva should lead Portugal’s attack in St Petersburg, where Portugal will be the heavy favourites.
Santos said leftback Raphael Guerreiro is ruled out with a bruised foot, and not a fractured leg, as was first thought after Wednesday’s win over Russia.
Things remain tight in Group A ahead of today’s final round.
Mexico are top, level with Portugal on four points but ahead by virtue of having scored one more goal, and face Russia, who are just a point behind in third.
New Zealand will have to settle for the chance to play the role of spoiler after losing both their games so far.
The Kiwis will breathe a slight sigh of relief if Ronaldo is rested, with the Real Madrid star netting 15 times in his last nine matches for club and country.
“Even if you take Ronaldo out of the team, you still have world-class players like (Ricardo) Quaresma and Nani, we won’t be overawed,” said coach Anthony Hudson.
“The Portuguese probably don’t want to be playing New Zealand right now.”
Like he did before the Mexico game, Hudson called on the Kiwis to be “brave” against the European champions.
This will be the first senior meeting between Portugal, ranked eighth in the world, and New Zealand, who are 95th – sandwiched between Guatemala and Madagascar.
The Kiwis, appearing at the Confederations Cup for the fourth time, are still hunting their first win in the tournament after just one draw and 10 defeats.
They gave the Mexicans a scare in Sochi with Chris Wood giving them a shock first-half lead.
It was their first goal in 555 minutes of Confederations Cup football, but Mexico’s Raul Jimenez and Oribe Peralta struck in the second half as the Kiwis faded.
“We took a great side all the way (Mexico) and we can do that against Portugal,” said Wood.
“If we play like we did the other night, I have all the confidence in the world.”
Russia need to beat Mexico in Kazan to avoid their prospects hinging on a Portugal loss, while a point would be enough for the Mexicans to advance.
After the draw with Portugal, Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio made eight changes against New Zealand, a plan that initially backfired before his side recovered after the break.
Star striker Javier Hernandez, left out against New Zealand, is expected to start while Osorio must replace the injured Carlos Salcedo and Hector Moreno in defence.
“We are extremely confident,” said Osorio.
“For us it was very important to get three points against New Zealand and against the hosts we feel we have a great chance.” –