Ronaldo sinks Russia with early header

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 74th senior international goal was enough to hand Portugal a 1-0 Confederations Cup victory over hosts Russia.

The 32-year-old Real Madrid star’s early header secured the win at Moscow’s Spartak Stadium and left Portugal a point clear of the Russians and sharing top spot in Group A with Mexico.

Only goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, who was winning his 100th cap, denied Portugal victory by a greater margin as he made vital saves from Ronaldo and Andre Silva either side of half-time.

Mexico came from behind to beat New Zealand 2-1 in a fiery encounter in Sochi. The game ended with an on-pitch brawl that saw three players booked for squaring up to each other.

Chris wood put new zealand into a surprise lead in the 42nd minute but Raul Jimenez levelled for Mexico at the start of the second half before Oribe Peralta completed the comeback in the 72nd minute to eliminate the Kiwis.