The Seleccao continue their Confederations Cup campaign this afternoon against the hosts nation in what has became a must-win fixture if they still have aspirations of topping Group A...

Portugal will attempt to claim their first three points of the international tournament today when they take on Russia who are currently top of the group.

Fernando Santos' charges did not get off to the best of competition starts on Sunday when they were forced to settle for the 2-2 draw against Mexico following a last-minute equaliser from Hector Moreno. They lead twice through Ricardo Quaresma and then Cedric Soares, only to be pegged back by the Central Americans, who snatched a point at the death.

The tournament hosts, who will also hold the World Cup next summer, had a much more assured beginning to the tournament on Friday evening when they dispatched of New Zealand with a comfortable 2-0 win, with an own goal from Michael Boxall and a strike from Fedor Smolov ensuring the victorious start.

The last encounter between Russia and Portugal took place two years ago under international friendly rules. On that occasion in Krasnodar, the former won 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Roman Shirokov.

Cristiano Ronaldo will likely start for his nation today as he attempts to get his goalscoring off the mark in the competition.