Portugal not only about ace Ronaldo

Portugal not only about ace Ronaldo

Euro champions face Chile in Cup semi-final

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) and Pepe (second right) during training. (Reuters photo)
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) and Pepe (second right) during training. (Reuters photo)

Kazan: He may be a great player, but European champions Portugal are not just Cristiano Ronaldo who will lead his team against Chile in the Confederations Cup semi-finals today.

A whole array of players has driven the team to the top of European football.

The great Ronaldo has scored twice in his three group matches at the Confederations Cup, continuing his run with the national team and helping Portugal advance to the semi-finals of the World Cup warm-up tournament as the Group A winners.

He had found the net in every game with Portugal this season until being deprived in the Confederations Cup opener against Mexico last week, when he was still decisive by setting up Ricardo Quaresma's opening goal.

Here are some of the other players who have been helping Portugal succeed.

You either love Pepe or hate him. A clever defender with a mean streak, Portugal's defence is anchored on Pepe, the Real Madrid central defender who has been at the heart of the team's back line for the past decade.

Along with veteran Bruno Alves, Pepe has been key in Portugal's style which has long relied on a solid defensive set up that allows Ronaldo the freedom to thrive in the attack.

Veteran forward Quaresma has always worked well as Ronaldo's partner up front, helping create opportunities and being precise with his finishing in front of the goal.

Nani is another experienced forward who has been invaluable for Portugal since joining the squad after the 2006 World Cup.

Joao Moutinho is responsible for carrying the load for Portugal in the midfield, but is also talented enough to provide some spark to the attack from time to time.

Moutinho is crucial to keep the team well balanced, and he is versatile enough to play in nearly all positions if needed.

The 30-year-old Monaco player made his 100th international appearance with Portugal in the team's win over New Zealand on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Chile are known as one of the hardest-working squads in the world but are starting to feel the wear and tear of their all-out style in Russia.

Chile secured their semi-final berth with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Australia on Sunday, and the team will have only two days of rest before facing Portugal in Kazan.

The European champions played their last group stage match on Saturday, a breezy 4-0 win over New Zealand.

"We're obviously at a disadvantage,'' Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi said.

"Having an extra day of rest at this stage of the tournament, and after the great effort that we've been making, favours the opponent.''

Pizzi rested some starters against Australia, but Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez and Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal played the full 90 minutes.

Chile play a very aggressive style, with high pressing and relentless attack.

It helped them win back-to-back Copa America tittles in 2015 and 2016, but it also exposes their defence to counterattacks, something Ronaldo and strike partner Andre Silva will be ready to pounce on. 

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