FIFA Confederations Cup: Portugal, Mexico through to semi-final

Portugal and Mexico have booked their places in the semifinal stage of the ongoing FIFA Confederation Cup taking place in Russia.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates made it look so easy as the European champions comfortably dispatched New Zealand 4-0 to reach the Confederations Cup semi-finals on Saturday.

Ronaldo, who is Portugal’s all-time leading scorer, opened the floodgate of goals as he netted in the 33rd minute, his 75th goal for his country, and Bernardo Silva added the second four minutes later.

A solo effort from Andre Silva, his eighth goal in 11 appearances, in the 80th minute and a stoppage-time goal from substitute Nani completed the scoring.

The progress means Portugal are on course for a second trophy in two years, but will have to first pass their semi-final test on Wednesday.

In the other Group A clash, Mexico denied hosts Russia progress into the last four as they grinded out a 2-1 victory.

Attention will shift to the other group where Chile and Germany will both progress to the last four if they avoid defeat on Sunday.

Chile face Australia and Germany play Cameroon on Sunday to determine the final standings in Group B.