The Leeds United and the man from Ibrox side Glasgow Rangers were in action at the Confederations Cup on Saturday.
Portugal eased into the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup with a comfortable 4-0 win over New Zealand in Saint Petersburg on Saturday afternoon.
Two goals within five first-half minutes from Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernado Silva secured a 2-0 half-time lead, before Andre Silva and Nani rounded off the scoring.
In contrast, New Zealand will head home from Russia after a disappointing and frustrating tournament – especially for Leeds United striker Chris Wood.
The Leeds man scored his country’s only goal in the competition but a combination of bad luck and bad finishing scuppered the 25-year-old’s hopes of a better campaign.
Against Portugal, Wood, who hit 27 Championship goals last season, forced Rui Patricio into a couple of good saves and had one cleared off the line by Rangers new boy Bruno Alves, having spurned gilt-edged chances either side of his goal against Mexico earlier in the week.
Still, Leeds fans will be slightly relieved that Wood avoided serious injury during the competition. It was a long season for the big striker, who made 48 appearances for the Whites last term.
Rangers supporters, however, will be hoping that Alves – the first of eight players to sign for the Ibrox club so far this summer – emerges unscathed for the remainder of his competition.
The 35-year-old defender won his place in the first XI back from Jose Fonte and he will more than likely keep it for Portugal’s last-four clash after the way in which he handled Wood for the most part.
Rangers’ season kicks off on Thursday as Pedro Caixinha’s side host Progres Niedercorn in the first leg of a first-round Europa League qualifier, but Alves will not be available.
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