By CGTN's Yan Yangchen & Wang Meng
Chile are preparing to take on European Champions Portugal for the first semi-final of the Confederations Cup in Russia. The match is being seen as a battle between Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez and Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo whose future at Real Madrid is uncertain. Still, the 32-year-old has been in top form for his country at the tournament but now faces his biggest test yet in the form of the Copa America winners.
Bumps, bruises and strained muscles have blighted Chile's journey to the semi-finals. Goalkeeper and captain Claudio Bravo picked up a calf injury playing for Manchester City and was forced to miss "La Roja's" first two group games.
Then on the eve of the tournament, Talisman Alexis Sanchez suffered an ankle problem during training, sitting out of the match with Cameroon.
Now, with a clash against Ronaldo's Portugal ahead of them, Chile have a full complement of players to choose from.
"We know our matches are quite demanding, we know there can be complications, whether there are injuries or yellow cards,” Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi said. “I have already said, it is a privilege to have all 23 players available, and we hope they will be able to back up the huge effort they have been making so far."
The match will also see two of the tournament's most in-form players go head to head – Ronaldo and Sanchez.
Cristiano Ronaldo trains with Portugal ahead of Confed semi-final. /CFP Photo
CR7 has scored twice in his three games to help his team advance to this stage – the top of Group A. With the Real Madrid man in such fine form, coach Fernando Sanchez expressed belief that it was a case of less is more when it came to managing his captain.
"You don't ask Cristiano Ronaldo anything. He must be the best player in the world right now. We just ask him to play as he usually does, and he has shown that on the pitch. He's very efficient with his leadership and presence. As the team's captain he's a great example, he dedicates all his time to the team and is very humble. He will defend the team 100 percent tomorrow," Sanchez said.
As of 2015, neither side had won a major trophy. Chile now has two Copa America titles, while Portugal became European champions last year.
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