Portugal 4-0 New Zealand: Ronaldo nets winner, Euro champs advance to semifinals

Cristiano Ronaldo delivers the winner as Portugal roll on in the Confederations Cup in Russia

By Roger Gonzalez

Jun 24, 2017 at 7:10 pm ET • 1 min read

Portugal is through to the Confederations Cup semifinals after defeating New Zealand 4-0 on Saturday in their final group stage game, with Cristiano Ronaldo bagging the winner for his 75th goal for his country. Finishing the group stage undefeated, Portugal dominated and were unlucky not to score more, with Ronaldo hitting the crossbar with a first-half header.

It was this goal by Ronaldo on 33 minutes that put Portugal ahead for good. From the penalty kick spot after a foul in the box, Ronaldo made it look easy:

Ronaldo's 75th international goal put Portugal up 1-0! @Powerade #NZLPOR #ConfedCup https://t.co/Ut4wfP2Taz
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 24, 2017

And just four minutes later, the Euro 2016 champs sealed it. Bernardo Silva, Manchester City's new, young star, finished from close for the 2-0 scoreline:

Portugal are in control on @FS1!

Bernardo Silva's first goal of the #ConfedCup puts them up 2-0. @Powerade #NZLPOR https://t.co/p8TSuOTkDC
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 24, 2017

The Kiwis rarely threatened as Portugal took all three points, with Andre Silva adding the third and Nani getting the fourth. Portugal moves on to face, most likely, Germany or Chile in the semis on Thursday.

Relive the match with our live blog below.