Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/841483
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 25 JUNE 2017 Sport 49 SPORTTODAY FOOTBALL Ronaldo sets Portugal on way to Confederations Cup semis Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 75th international goal as Portugal beat New Zealand 4-0 to reach the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup WARREN ZAMMIT THE match started evenly, but Portugal grew into the game. When Danilo was blocked in the box between two defend- ers, the referee gave a penalty. Cristiano Ronaldo calmly blasted a high shot past the keeper for his 75th interna- tional goal, and minutes later it was two when Bernardo Silva was on hand with a late run in the box to fire past Stefan Ma- rinovic. Andre Silva was lucky not to be sent off when he aimed a punch at Michael Boxall. In the second half, New Zealand had a shot cleared off the line, but Marinovic was called into a couple of excellent stops to keep the scoreline respectable. Andre Silva and Nani added late goals despite his best efforts. Portugal are now through to the semi- finals, topping the group with seven points. They are joined by Mexico, who eliminated hosts Russia. Mexico knock out Confed Cup hosts Russia with 2-1 win Mexico created the first chance of the match after five minutes. Hirving Lozano went past two players and hit a low shot from the edge of the penalty area that was neutralised by Igor Akinfeev. The Russians protested for a penalty a minute later. Yury Zhirkov went down after making contact with Hecor Horeno; how- ever, the referee decided to play on without any consultation with the video assistant referee. The hosts threatened again on the 13th minute. Zhirkov went inside the penalty area and fired a shot that went centimetres wide. Cherchesov's side asked for another pen- alty on the 17th minute. Fedor Smolov went inside the penalty area and was brought down by Nestor Araujo. The Saudi referee first signalled play on once more, but later decided to consult the VAR. After looking at the replay of the situation, he decided to stick to his decision and play was restarted at the centre of the pitch. On the 24th minute, Smolov was unlucky not to score as his powerful drive from dis- tance rattled the post. However, the Russians went ahead a minute later. Following some good work by Aleksandr Golovin, Alexandr Erokhon served Alexander Samedov, and the latter saw his effort ending up behind Guillermo Ochoa to the joy of the home supporters. Mexico responded by equalising on the half hour mark. First, it was Andres Guar- dado whose shot from a free-kick forced a good save from Igor Akinfeev. From the follow up, Hector Herrera delivered an ex- cellent long ball towards Araujo and the Mexican defender headed inside the net. Three minutes into the second half, Samedov finished inside the net again, but the assistant referee raised his f lag for an offside. The Mexicans went ahead on the 52nd minute following a horrific mistake by Ak- infeev. Herrera sent the ball forward and the Russian goalkeeper came out of his area to meet it. He completely mistimed his run though, allowing Lozano to head the ball inside the net from the edge of the penalty area. Russia hit back on the 58th minute. Er- okhin's shot from outside the penalty area ended up slightly off target. Two minutes later, it was Mexico who had a goal disallowed. The ball was played towards Hector Moreno who finished past Akinfeev. The referee wasn't sure about the goal and consulted the VAR. His final decision was to disallow the goal for an offside. Russia's hopes took another setback on the 68th minute when Zhirkov was sent off by the referee after being shown his second yellow card. The Russians missed a golden opportuni- ty to draw level on the 72nd minute. Dmit- ry Poloz's cross was met by the unmarked Igor Smolnikov who fired high. Following this result, hosts Russia are out of the Confederations cup. Portugal and Mexico go through. Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates