SPORTS Sunday, June 25, 2017 23 hits 75th international goal Portugal enter Confed semis minutes before Nani completed the rout draw level with former Hungary great effort was scrambled off the line by a in stoppage time to ensure Portugal Sandor Kocsis and within nine goals of combination of Rui Patricio and Bruno progressed to last four as winners of the legendary Ferenc Puskas’ European Alves. Ronaldo could have added to his Group A, finishing above Mexico on record of 84 at international level. tally when he climbed to meet a Nelson Saint goal difference. Portugal swiftly doubled their lead Semedo delivery, his header scooped Petersburg Mexico eliminated hosts Russia when ’s dangerous low cross away by Stefanovic who then stood tall ristiano with a 2-1 win in Kazan to join from the left was forced home by Silva, to superbly deny Andre Silva. Ronaldo Portugal on seven points, with although there was brief concern for Santos withdrew Ronaldo on 67 scoredC his 75th Fernando Santos’ side to face the new Manchester City signing as he minutes with the semi-finals in mind, international goal the runners-up of Group B on landed awkwardly on his ankle. and his replacement Nani struck within as Portugal trounced Wednesday for a place in the July New Zealand skipper Chris Wood moments of his introduction only for New Zealand 4-0 in Saint 2 final. nearly grabbed a lifeline for the All Stefanovic to brilliantly tip behind his Petersburg yesterday Copa America holders Chile lead Whites on the hour, but his back-post deflected shot. (AFP) to advance to the Germany on goal difference ahead of semi-finals of the the final round of matches in Group B, Confederations Cup. although Australia and Cameroon still The Real Madrid harbour outside qualification hopes. star struck from Santos fielded an attacking line-up the penalty spot packed with experience and resisted on 33 minutes to the temptation to rest Ronaldo with fire the European Portugal still requiring a point to qualify champions in and vying with Mexico and Russia for front before top spot. Ronaldo twice threatened the New turned in Zealand goal in quick succession, a second nodding straight at goalkeeper Stefan goal four Marinovic on 24 minutes and then minutes clattering the crossbar shortly after later. with another header from a Ricardo Andre Quaresma cross. Silva But the Portugal captain made no added mistake after Danilo was wrestled to the a third ground in the area by a combination on 80 of Tom Doyle and Tommy Smith following a corner. Ronaldo buried the resultant penalty beyond Stefanovic to Portugal’s forward Nani (R) celebrates with Zarco claims maiden pole in Assen Assen shade Marquez by .065sec amaha ’s French rider edged four-time and Petrucci by .385s as champion Marc Marquez in final qualifying to claim Vinales, who had posted hisY maiden MotoGP pole yesterday for the Dutch the fastest time in practice, Grand Prix in Assen. failed to make an impact. ’s Marquez and Ducati’s Danilo Yamaha’s Spanish rider Petrucci keep Zarco company on the front trailed in 11th in the pole- row with world championship leader deciding session, a full Maverick Vinales only managing to make 2.125s adrift. the fifth row. At least Vinales made it Italian veteran sets through to second qualifying, off on the second row with Briton Scott in contrast to three time Redding and Zarco’s teammate Jonas former MotoGP titleholder Folger. who trailed in Reigning Moto2 champion 21st to leave him languishing on the Zarco, at only his eighth attempt, penultimate row on Sunday’s grid. becomes the first Frenchman In the race for the 2017 world since in championship Vinales leads on 111 Germany 15 years ago to points from Dovizioso (104) and Marquez set off from pole in the (88). world championship’s top Zarco, in sixth with 75 points, is seeking to category. become the first French MotoGP winner since The 26-year-old coped Regis Laconi in 1999, with none of his fellow best with a wet circuit countrymen ever wearing the MotoGP crown. Cristiano Ronaldo and windy conditions to Johann Zarco rides (AFP)