Confederations Cup Social Diary: Ronaldo´s boots, Quaresma´s hair and some mocking for the watching

The Confederations Cup is firmly under way in Russia, with two of the pre-tournament favourites, Portugal and Chile, each in action on day two.

Cristiano Ronaldo and the European champions faced off against Mexico in Kazan, while Chile met African champions Cameroon in Moscow.

There were flash new boots and maverick hairstyles to mark the occasion – one of which came courtesy of Antoine Griezmann, who probably feels France should be competing – while New Zealand striker Chris Wood got a special tribute to mark an impressive milestone.

You might have heard a small amount of chatter going on about Ronaldo’s future at Real Madrid, but the Portugal skipper is in certifiable Confederations Cup mood for now. Here is the specially designed, fashionable footwear given to him for their opener against Mexico:

 

New boots. Same goal.  #Mercurial #Portugal #CR7 #Nike #Football #Soccer

A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) on Jun 17, 2017 at 10:40am PDT

Not to be outdone by his recently-shaved-headed captain, Ricardo Quaresma – who has never been timid when it comes to his personal appearance – is sporting a new look of his own. It’s fair to say that it draws the eye…

 

#Quaresma  #Besiktas #UCL

A post shared by #UCL (@uefachampionsleague) on Jun 17, 2017 at 9:41am PDT

Ronaldo, Quaresma and team-mates later sent a message of support via the Portuguese Football Federation following the news of the devastating wild fires in the Pedrogao Grande distract, which are said to have killed at least 62 people.

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There was a moment’s silence before kick-off of the meeting between Portugal and Mexico in Kazan, as both teams and officials paid their respects.

Both teams gathered before KO to remember those who lost their lives in the Portugal forest fires near Coimbra. pic.twitter.com/pvxlUNp6iz

— #ConfedCup (@FIFAcom) June 18, 2017

It was Eder’s goal in the Euro 2016 final that sealed Portugal’s place at this tournament at the expense of France. Griezmann’s national pride certainly hasn’t waned since then, if his latest look is anything to go by…

 

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A post shared by Antoine Griezmann (@antogriezmann) on Jun 16, 2017 at 11:46am PDT

Mexico beat the United States in the 2015 play-off match to join the party in Russia but there seems to be no hard feelings from LA Galaxy’s Jermaine Jones, who has given his backing to Javier Hernandez.

 

#Repost @jermainejunior: Former #Bundesliga star Jermaine Jones sending good vibes to @miseleccionmx & @ch14_instagram for their #ConfedCup match with Portugal today! ・・・ Being back from Mexico and reviewing the whole trip and rival with Mexico I still can’t believe the love I got from the people in Mexico City & at the game – wow!!! The people out there love the game with all their heart, 80 thousand every home game! Vamos Mexico good luck for the confederations cup! Thanks to my brother Gio and Chicharito

A post shared by Bundesliga (@bundesliga_en) on Jun 18, 2017 at 4:32am PDT

It wasn’t a great opening game for New Zealand against Russia, but there was at least something to celebrate for Chris Wood, who reached half a century of international appearances.

CONGRATS I It wasn’t the result the #AllWhites were looking for but well done to @officialcwood on joining an elite club. #ConfedCup 50 caps pic.twitter.com/OifuHc7E7T

— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) June 18, 2017