Confederations Cup: CR7 could be rested vs New Zealand as Santos wants Rotation for Portugal

Confederations Cup: CR7 could be rested vs New Zealand as Santos wants Rotation for Portugal

Portugal coach Fernando Santos has said Cristiano Ronaldo could be rested in the final Confederations Cup match at group stage against New Zealand on Saturday. After the promise to rotate his starting lineup for a third match in seven days, Santos did not confirm if that implies rest for his 32-year-old star. He said that just like everyone, he too desires to watch Ronaldo, as he smiled when questioned about how excited Russia is for the incredible player. He further said that he doesn’t know whether he will make Cristiano play or not, but confirmed that rotation will definitely occur.

Confederations Cup: CR7 could be rested vs New Zealand as Santos wants Rotation for Portugal

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Confederations Cup: CR7 could be rested vs New Zealand as Santos wants Rotation for Portugal

Portugal have the privilege to pick, thanks to Ronaldo’s definitive header in a 1-0 victory over Russia on Wednesday – which was his 74th goal in 141 national-team matches. The European champions have four points in Group A and require just a draw against No. 95-positioned New Zealand to progress to the semi-finals. One reason Ronaldo is strong is on the grounds that Real Madrid dealt with his playing time all the more deliberately this season. His game escalated from April onward with a surge of Champions League goals, including two in the final to help beat Juventus 4-1.

Confederations Cup: CR7 could be rested vs New Zealand as Santos wants Rotation for Portugal

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Santos additionally noticed his group’s Sunday-Wednesday-Saturday plan so far in three distinctive Russian cities. He mentioned that it’s under 72 hours to recoup, which might be difficult. Santos led his team to the Euro 2016 title over 7 matches in 27 days in France. Still, the single New Zealand journalist at the tournament insisted during the prematch news meeting that more than four million soccer lovers are waiting in New Zealand to witness Ronaldo confront the All Whites, first time ever. Santos admitted millions of soccer lovers who are interested in watching every time Cristiano plays, and is happy that it’s the same in New Zealand.

New Zealand team has already been eliminated after their loss in both matches, but they unsettled Mexico before having a 2-1 defeat. The North American champions had rested a few players who began in a 2-2 draw against Portugal, including forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez. Santos acknowledged that they complicated things for Mexico, and the outcome could be different. Portugal will play without Raphael Guerreiro on Saturday, but the Borussia Dortmund defender could come back in the competition. Santos said a speculated leg fracture happened against Russia, but it was not as serious as suspected.