Confederations Cup 2017: Portugal make semis as Cristiano Ronaldo nets 75th international goal

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 75th international goal as Portugal beat New Zealand 4-0 to reach the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup.

The match started evenly, but Portugal grew into the game. When Danilo was blocked in the box between two defenders, the referee gave a penalty.

Cristiano Ronaldo calmly blasted a high shot past the keeper for his 75th international goal, and minutes later it was two when Bernardo Silva was on hand with a late run in the box to fire past Stefan Marinovic.

Andre Silva was lucky not to be sent off when he aimed a punch at Michael Boxall.

In the second half, New Zealand had a shot cleared off the line, but Marinovic was called into a couple of excellent stops to keep the scoreline respectable. Andre Silva and Nani added late goals despite his best efforts.

Portugal are now through to the semi-finals, topping the group with seven points. They are joined by Mexico, who eliminated hosts Russia.

How far can Andre Silva go? It's only New Zealand, but eight goals in 11 international appearances suggest there is plenty to come. He's moved to AC Milan in the summer, and while he is only 21 now, he is alive in the box and capable of creating his own chances. Ronaldo thinks he is his successor, and while he may not be that good, he is capable of becoming an excellent player in his own right.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Ronaldo was the creative hub of the team. While he might have got a goal, it was from the spot. However, he was able to stretch play and lay off to either side in order to give colleagues the chance to cross from the right. An easy match was made simple by Ronaldo.

Portugal: Patricio 6, Eliseu 6, Alves 6, Pepe 5, Semedo 7, Moutinho 6, Danilo 6, A Silva 7, B Silva 7, Quaresma 6, Ronaldo 7. Subs: Pizzi 6, Nani 7, Martins 6.

New Zealand: Marinovic 6, Ingham 5, Durante 5, Boxall 6, Doyle 6, McGlinchey 5, Thomas 5, Smith 6, Lewis 5, Rojas 5, Wood 6. Subs: Tuiloma 6, Barbarouses 6, Smeltz 6.

32' - PENALTY! Danilo goes down as he looks for a cross, he's sandwiched between two defenders and go down, and the ref awards it.

33' - GOAL! Portugal 1-0 New Zealand. Ronaldo scores - A confident run-up and Ronaldo blasts his spot-kick up to the right, Marinovic goes left.

38' - GOAL! Portugal 2-0 New Zealand. Bernardo Silva scores - Eliseu is released down the left, he skips down the wing, into the box, and he squares it for Silva to fire into the net. He lands awkwardly on Doyle, who is booked for his attempted sliding block.

58' - SMITH CHANCE - New Zealand go close. Doyle slides a cross across the six yard box to the back post. Smith slides a leg out, it's through Patricio's legs and it bounces off Alves and away.

80' - GOAL! Portugal 3-0 New Zealand. Andre Silva scores - A defensive mistake gives Silva the ball on the halfway line. He jogs goalwards, isn't challenged, and darts past one defender before rifling into the top of the net from a tight angle.

90+1' - GOAL! Portugal 4-0 New Zeland. Nani scores - Released into the box, Nani performs a couple of stepovers to make some space, and he drills it inside the far post.

Cristiano Ronaldo now has 75 international goals.