Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal was enough to secure victory for Portugal, who faced a resilient Russia side.
Portugal Coach, Fernando Santo said: “In the first half, we played very well, with a lot of personality,’’ he said. “I warned the players at half-time there would be a change though, and Russia pressured us well in the second half,’’ he said.
Portugal’s win took them to the top of their group ahead of Mexico’s game against New Zealand moments after.
The coach added that his team had always been ready to do all required of them, praising the players for their doggedness.
“This team, when they have to sacrifice themselves, they do that. I thank God I have a group of players who are so concentrated and willing to respond to any situation and play their hearts out for their coach.”
Speaking also, the winning goal scorer Ronaldo, also expressed his satisfaction at the result.
“I’m very happy,’’ he said. “We knew this was going to be a difficult game against a strong team. This was the first time Portugal has won in Russia and I think we played very well.’’
Russia’s coach Stanislav Cherchesov, on his part, dismissed suggestions that his team had been affected by nerves.
“We certainly did not feel nervous,’’ he said. “Defensively, we lost the ball several times in the first half and did not succeed in launching any attacks.
“But things changed in the second half and we created several good chances. Unfortunately for us, those chances did not yield any goals.’’
In another game of the competition, Mexico scored twice in a busy second-half performance to overcome New Zealand 2-1 and destroy the All Whites’ dreams of securing their first Confederations Cup victory at the 11th attempt.
New Zealand had the better of the first half on Wednesday at the Fisht Stadium in Socchi, Russia and went 1-0 up thanks to a nice goal from Chris Wood.
But Mexico stormed back after the break and Raul Jimenez got the equaliser nine minutes into the second period of the Group A match.
Javier Aquino dribbled in from the left and after an exchange of passes on the edge of the New Zealand box, Jimenez spun to fire high into the net.
Mexico took control of the game and Oribe Peralta grabbed the winner from close range after 72 minutes when he swept home another incisive cross from Aquino.
Mexico ended the day as Group A leaders with four points, ahead of Portugal on goal difference.
Hosts Russia are in third with three points and New Zealand have none.
In continuation of their 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup campaign, all four sides return on Saturday to see whether they will advance to the semi-finals.
Russia will face Mexico, needing a win to be sure of progress with a draw being sufficient for their opponents, while Portugal are expected to beat New Zealand to top the group.
