IT’S SPECIAL J
Jim wants to topple Ronny
MEXICO will not be lacking in motivation when they take on Portugal in their Confederations Cup opener in Russia.
But today’s clash will be particularly meaningful for Raul Jimenez. After all, his links with Portugal extend far beyond the Group A meeting. The Mexico No.9 is an idol at Portuguese giants Benfica. He has scored a number of crucial goals in helping the Eagles win back- to- back Primeira Liga titles. So there can be few better at analysing the European champions ahead of the clash. “It’s going to be special,” he said. “I’ll be up against three of my club-mates and a lot of other players I come up against every year. “I can see it being a very competitive game and if we’re going to win it, we need to keep their great strikers in check.” Jimenez, 26, is confident his side can keep danger-man Cristiano Ronaldo, who is rumoured to be eyeing the exit door at Real Madrid, quiet at the Kazan Arena.
He said: “It goes without saying that he’s a great player. But we’re a great side too and I’m sure we can stop him.
“We’re a tight-knit team and we really understand all the different phases we have to go through.
“When it’s time to train we train and when it’s time to kick back and relax we do that.
“It doesn’t matter what your name is or the league you play in – we’re all in this together and we’re all fighting for the same objective.”
So does Jimenez feel he compares to Ronaldo? “I’ve never thought about it,” he said. “But if I do, it is in the physical side of things, like height and strength.
“Obviously, he’s done amazing things with his clubs and the national team and I’d love to be able to match that.
“My f i rst big t ournament was t he Confederations Cup in 2013 and I’ve got more experience now.
“I have the belief that I have a lot to offer on an individual and collective level.
“I’m coming here with my head held high and with the idea of achieving big things.” Today, 4pm, ITV