Portugal can win football tournament: Santos

19:51 - 12 June 2017

Portugal's national football team head coach Fernando Santos, pictured on June 8, 2017, believes that his team stands a strong chance of winning the Confederations Cup

Portugal coach Fernando Santos said on Monday that the European champions are expecting to challenge for the title at the Confederations Cup in Russia.

Powered by four-times world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal kick off their Group A campaign on Sunday against Mexico in Kazan.

"This will be a very difficult competition, but Portugal are still going as title contenders," insisted the 62-year-old at a press conference near Lisbon.

"We always assume our responsibilities, tackling each game with the intention of winning it.

"A year ago I said that Portugal were going to Euro 2016 to win it. I said we were not favourites, but contenders for victory. I keep that same confidence today."

New Zealand and hosts Russia complete Group A for the World Cup warm-up tournament that runs from June 17 to July 2, with world champions Germany, Chile, Cameroon and Australia making up Group B.