Confederations Cup 2017: Portugal v/s Chile preview: Copa America champs out to curb Ronaldo

Copa America champions Chile will try to curb Portugal’s superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in tomorrow’s Confederations Cup semi-final with the goal-ace in rich form despite the tax storm brewing in Spain.

The 32-year-old converted a penalty in Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of New Zealand to claim his 75th international goal.

The Real Madrid forward has now scored 16 times in his last 10 games for club and country.

Portugal’s captain will face tax evasion charges in a Madrid court next month, but has dazzled on the pitch in Russia, claiming man-of-the-match awards in all three games, netting two goals and providing an assist.

After steering Portugal to the Euro 2016 title in Paris a year ago, Ronaldo will want to claim a second international title in Sunday’s Confed Cup final in St Petersburg, against Mexico or Germany who meet in the other semi-final.

Ronaldo is closing in on the legendary Ferenc Puskas’ European record of 84 international goals, despite the off- field turmoil and constant speculation about his future, having threatened to quit Real.

“We all know he’s an amazing player, he’s very dangerous and can decide a game alone,” said Chile midfielder Marcelo Diaz, who has often faced Ronaldo with his club Celta Vigo, in Tuesday’s press …read more