Will Chile be too hot for Ronaldo?
IN-FORM: STAR STRIKER WILL LOOK TO ADD TO HIS TALLY
South Americans will be the toughest opponents for Portugal so far.
Kazan
Copa America champions Chile will try to curb Portugal’s superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in today’s Confederations Cup semifinal with the goalace in rich form despite the tax storm brewing in Spain.
The 32-year-old converted a penalty in last 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.
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 tomorrow.
Ronaldo is closing in on Ferenc Puskas’ European record of 84 international goals, despite the offfield 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 Chilean midfielder Marcelo Diaz, who has often faced Ronaldo with his club Celta Vigo, at yesterday’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 semifinals.
“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 beat Portugal in three attempts with two defeats and a draw.
Fatigue could well be an issue in Portugal’s ranks.
Head coach Fernando Santos opted to rest none of his forward line and it has been a long season for the likes of Ronaldo, Joao Moutinho, Andre Gomes and Bernardo Silva.
Defender Pepe will sit out the game after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament in the big win over the Kiwis.
Left-back Raphael Guerreiro is struggling with a bruised foot from the win over Russia.
Chilean coach Juan Antonio Pizzi has all his players fit and Charles Aranguiz has recovered from a knock in last Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Australia.
Despite doubts about Alexis Sanchez’s Arsenal future, the Chile camp says their star striker is in high spirits. – AFP