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Confederations Cup 2017: Cristiano Ronaldo lifts Portugal past Russia

Portugal's talisman shrugged off the on-field issues surrounding him with another clinical performance!

Confederations Cup 2017: Cristiano Ronaldo lifts Portugal past Russia

Portugal captain and forward Cristiano Ronaldo (Photo: AFP)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 8th-minute strike proved to be the difference as European champions Portugal beat host Russia in their Group A game of the 2017 Confederations Cup at the Otkrytiye Arena in Moscow on Wednesday. 

Russia had beaten New Zealand 2-0 in their opener and after Portugal drew against Mexico, the pressure was on the Iberians to clinch their first-ever win at the quadrennial tournament. 

And Portugal manager Fernando Santos made a couple of bold changes, dropping the experienced duo of Ricardo Quaresma and Nani in favour of up-and-comers Bernardo Silva and Andre Silva. Centre-back Jose Fonte was another big name to miss out but to injury and veteran defender Bruno Alves came in his place.

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Russia, made a couple of changes as well, with former Chelsea man Yury Zhirkhov the notable inclusion after missing out on the action in the opener. 

Portugal knew getting an early lead was vital if they had to clinch three points and as has become the norm, their talisman Ronaldo rose to the occasion to give them an excellent start. 

Raphael Guerreiro floated in a cross at the far post from the left flank and Ronaldo adjusted his run perfectly to head home with less than 10 minutes on the clock. 

Ronaldo’s 74th international goal should have set up a Portugal onslaught but despite clearly looking like the better side, the Iberians struggled to find a way past Igor Akinfeev. 
The Russian captain and custodian, Igor Akinfeev, on his 100th appearance was immense between the sticks and made a sensational stop to deny Andre Silva in the second-half to keep his side in the game.  

The first half had been all Portugal and had they been a little more clinical, they would have had a fairly comfortable lead. 

The second began with the Selecao on the front-foot, with first Andre Silva and then full-back Cedric being denied by Akinfeev. Ronaldo then contrived to miss a seemingly header from inside the six-yard box to give the Russians a reprieve. 

Portugal keeper Rui Patricio had been a virtual spectator up until the hour-mark, but Russia began to amp up the pressure afterwards and despite wave after wave of Russian attacks, the Portuguese defence marshalled by Pepe and Bruno Alves held firm.

With the win, Portugal are now topping Group A with four points from two games while Russia are in second place with three points from two games. 
Mexico play New Zealand later in the day and could go top of the group if they manage to beat the Kiwis by a two-goal margin.

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