The former Manchester United forward has reinvented himself in recent seasons: his once trademark speed and athleticism being replaced by savvy positioning and clinical finishing.

Despite being just seven months shy of his 33rd birthday, Ronaldo is not far off the best form of his career.

Last month he led Real Madrid to their third UEFA Champions League title in four years, capping off a season in which he scored 42 goals in 46 matches across all competitions for the Spanish giants.

IMPROVED RUSSIA

The tournament's host nation looked to be in freefall late last year when they suffered friendly defeats to Costa Rica and Qatar. Just months earlier they were bundled out of Euro 2016 in the group stage without winning a match.

But a silver lining has appeared on the horizon with a 3-0 victory over Hungary and a 1-1 draw with Copa America champions Chile earlier this month.

Stanislav Cherchesov's team will be without striker Artem Dzyuba, playmaker Alan Dzagoev and midfielder Roman Zobnin here due to injury.

But in emerging talents such as midfield pair Aleksandr Golovin and Aleksei Miranchuk, who are both 21, Cherchesov has good reason to believe his team can cover those losses.

Russia will be further boosted by the country's fervent fans, who are likely to make their match venues a cauldron of noise for opposing teams.

DOWN-UNDER SPIRIT

While the declaration by Australia coach Ange Postecoglou that he is aiming to "win the tournament, mate" might seem overzealous, the Socceroos should not be taken lightly.

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