Ronaldo staying calm in Russia

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo insisted there is no reason to be alarmed by their opening draw in the Confederations Cup.

A stoppage-time header by Hector Moreno saw Mexico equalise to make it 2-2 after Portugal thought they had won it with Cedric Soares’ deflected shot four minutes from time at the Kazan Arena.

The result handed the early Group A initiative to hosts Russia, winners against New Zealand on Saturday.

However, with two teams qualifying for the semi-finals from the four-team pool and Russia up next, Ronaldo is confident the European champions can quickly improve their fortunes,

“It was not the result we wanted, the team had almost won and we suffered in the last minutes but this is football,” said Ronaldo. “The team continue

“Not the result we wanted, the team had almost won”

to believe in qualification, we have great possibilities, because there are still two games left.”

Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio was satisfied with his team’s performance and particularly the way they kept Ronaldo quiet .

Portugal had a goal ruled out for offside by the video assistant referee prior to Quaresma’s opener and match official Nestor Pitana referred Soares’ effort for a second opinion.

With no communication as to why referrals were being made there was a sense of uncertainty, while Santos accepted that was to be expected with new technology, he found it frustrating.

“It’s the new rule. If you bring benefits to football, fine,” he added. “But I do not think anyone can see this new rule working well yet.”