Two-goal Ronaldo sparkles as Portugal outclass Saudis

DUESSELDORF, Germany, Mar 2 (Reuters) Two goals by Cristiano Ronaldo steered Portugal to a 3-0 win over Saudi Arabia in their World Cup warm-up here.

The Manchester United winger was a constant menace to the Saudi defence and opened the scoring with a header from a 29th-minute corner by Luis Figo.

Midfielder Maniche, on loan with Chelsea, made it 2-0 in the last minute of the first half after a shot rebounded off goalkeeper Mohammad Al Deayea.

Al Deayea was outstanding for the Saudis, pulling off a series of good saves including a brilliant reflex stop from a close-range header by Ronaldo early in the second half.

But the keeper had no chance in the 84th minute when Ronaldo capped a solo run down the left by scoring with a low shot into the corner.

Portugal will play in Group D at the World Cup in Germany which starts in June, alongside Mexico, Iran and Angola.

Saudi Arabia have been drawn in Group H with Spain, Ukraine and Tunisia.

REUTERS DH RAI0420