Portugal lose Pepe and wait on Silva

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Portuguese National Team trashed New Zealand 4-0 in the group A match of the ongoing Confederation Cup, in Russian Federation, on Saturday to top the group ahead of Mexico.

European champion Portugal outclassed a typically robust New Zealand team which extended its winless Confederations Cup run to 12 games across four editions.

Meanwhile, Russia crashed out of the competition after failing to secure a victory in their final group game against Mexico.

It was his 75th worldwide goal.

However, Mexico managed to hold out until the final whistle to seal second spot in Group A behind Portugal.

Nani sent a special message to his son after scoring Portugal's fourth goal in the closing stages of their win over New Zealand.

Russian Federation were knocked out after losing 2-1 to Mexico in Kazan, another setback for the hosts of next year's World Cup who have recently become accustomed to early exits from worldwide tournaments.

"It was an odd game - we were in control, but they started creating problems, and if it had got back to 2-1, it could have got complicated", said Portugal coach Fernando Santos.

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"We will play a hard opponent whoever that will be, Chile or Germany, two great teams. So we were forewarned", he said.

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A 34th-minute Cristiano Ronaldo penalty opened the scoring for Portugal against the Kiwis, who had already been knocked out but were eager to go out on a high note, before Bernardo Silva doubled the European champions' advantage three minutes later.

His sharp headers could have turned a comfortable win into a rout.

When Ronaldo began to dominate All Whites defenders in the air midway through the first half, an aerial challenge saw him left in a heap.

Ronaldo put Portugal ahead with a penalty kick in the 33rd minute. Midfielder Danilo was pushed and tripped trying to meet the ball from a corner.

Bernardo Silva added a second on the stroke of half-time and from there it looked as though the result was beyond doubt, with Andre Silva and Nani adding further to the scoreline.

The hosts then upped the pressure midway through the second half and they nearly took the lead when a fantastic drilled shot from Fyodor Smolov hit the post with the goalkeeper beaten. Substitute Nani shot low past Marinovic in stoppage time.

Stefan Marinovic had produced a string of decent saves at the other end during the second half.

The first half was a pretty even contest as both sides started the game very well and had chances to take the lead.

New Zealand carved out their first chance in the 58th minute, but Rui Patricio produced a superb save to deny Chris Woods at the far post.

New Zealand boss Anthony Hudson felt the final result was harsh on his players.

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