Portugal and Mexico draw 2-2 in Confederations Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo set up the opening goal as his Portugal side were held to a draw by Mexico in their first game at the Confederations Cup in Russian Federation.

The European champs drew 2-2 with Mexico in their opening Confederations Cup game on Sunday.

Mexico striker Javier Hernandez cancelled out Quaresma’s opener shortly before halftime and the two goals in an exciting last six minutes ensured the teams shared the points.

However, the goal was ruled out less than a minute later as the referee used the Video Assistant Referee to check Pepe’s positioning when the ball had been fed back into the box from Ronaldo’s free-kick.

From New Zealand was not expecting one wonders at the tournament, All Whites occupy in the Federation Internationale de Football Association ranking is the lowest among all the participants of QC-2017, and the first match against Russia confirmed its status as the main outsider of the tournament.

With no communication to players or fans why referrals were being made there was a slight sense of uncertainty and confusion and, while Santos accepted that was to be expected with new technology, he found it frustrating.

“It is a little hard for the players”, Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi said. “Now comes an unpleasant game in which the Australians will try, with their physiques and toughness, to take us on”. “Mexico was better, more aggressive”.

Portugal players will wear black armbands against Mexico in the today to honour compatriots that passed away from forrest fires. RIP.

Mexico equalized less than 10 minutes later with a close-range diving header by Chicharito after Portugal defender Raphael Guerreiro failed to clear a ball crossed into the area.

Cristiano Ronaldo is concentrated on the Confederations Cup only, Portugal national team coach Fernando Santos said.

“Cristiano is just one more player who is always motivated”.

Tomi Juric pulled his team back into the game with his finish on 56 minutes, but Germany held on comfortably for a 3-2 win.

“We want to look at it with tranquillity as we don’t know if this point will be good or not until we play the remaining two group stage matches and we know if we qualify for the semi-finals”. However, other than that he did not threaten Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Moreno’s headed goal from a corner might not have been the prettiest, but it might turn out to be one of the most important in Osorio’s 19 months in charge.