FIFA Confederations Cup 2017: Portugal 2-2 Mexico - 5 Talking Points

#2 Cristiano Ronaldo v2.5 is awesome

Much has been made about Cristiano Ronaldo’s metamorphosis from a fleet-footed winger into a lethal frontman for Real Madrid this season, but the Portuguese star has added another bow to his game. The evolution of his game was crystallized in the entirety of Portugal’s first goal, when Ronaldo was sent through on goal on the left wing.

In the years gone past, Ronaldo would have comfortably speeded past the defenders and scored, but the 32-year-old does not have the legs anymore and was caught up by 3 defenders. Such is his vision though, that even without looking up, Ronaldo knew where his partner-in-crime for decades, Ricardo Quaresma, was and squared a gorgeous ball for the Trivela King to open the scoring. Another delicious backheel nearly put Quaresma through again, but the winger, who has revived his career in Besiktas, spurned the chance.

Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored or assisted in each of his last seven games for Portugal.12 goals 2 assists What a pass. pic.twitter.com/JxvpKo64YD

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 18, 2017

Age did look to have caught up with Ronaldo as he faded in the second half, but there is still an exceptional player to build a team around – Zinedine Zidane did – and Fernando Santos can tweak his side too.