Ronaldo leads the way in New Zealand rout

As Portugal looked to secure a spot in the semi-finals, they were surprised in the opening minutes by a valiant, almost dominant, New Zealand side.

The Kiwis refused Fernando Santos' team any openings while they also pushed forward with determination, and this awarded them the first chance of the game.

Lewis pinged a cross over from the right, and Wood did well to bring it down and fire a shot on the turn from 12 yards, but his tame effort was gathered easily by Rui Patricio.

The reigning European champions continued to struggle to create danger in the first 20 minutes, with New Zealand looking more and more likely to produce an upset against a creatively lacking Portugal team.

But it did not take much for Portugal to turn on the style and prove a threat for Marinovic, piling on chances most clear of which came when Ronaldo fired the first warning with a header that bounced back off the underside of the crossbar.

Fernando Santos' team found the opening when Danilo was prevented from getting on the end of a corner kick and the referee pointed to the spot. Ronaldo stepped up to confidently sidefoot the high ball into the net, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Only a few minutes later, New Zealand made their first substitution with Tuiloma replacing McGlinchy, but the change did not pay off as Eliseu dashed to the byline to cut the ball back for Bernardo Silva just seconds later, and the Manchester City signing arrived from behind to finish from seven yards.

The goals released Portugal who began to enjoy themselves at the All Whites' expense. The second half saw Portugal remain dominant with New Zealand registering little attacking play in the second forty-five minutes.

Santos decided to rest players such as Ronaldo or Bernardo Silva, the latter limping off at the break after receiving a knock in Portugal's second goal.

The Kiwis saw a clear chance missed when Rui Patricio got down to deny Wood's finish at the back post, after an inviting low cross from Doyle. The Australasian team showed an admirable resiliance as they remained unbowed despite being outclassed throughout most of the match.

Any remaining hopes of getting back into the match were shattered when Andre Silva burst into the box and blasted the ball past Marinovic. Substitute Nani then wrongfooted Ingham with a stepover at the edge of the box before firing a low drive across goal and past the keeper to add a fourth.

Portugal are through to the semi-finals as Group A leaders after a comprehensive win over the All Whites.