Hindustan Times (Patiala)

Brave Mexico hold Portugal 2-2

- Associated Press sportsdesk@hindustant­imes.com n

Title contenders Portugal and Mexico fought out an entertaini­ng 2-2 draw in the Confederat­ions Cup on Sunday, with each team scoring in the last five minutes.

Portugal looked set for a late win when Cedric Soares scored with a deflected shot in the 86th minute, but Hector Moreno equalised for Mexico with a header in stoppage time.

Cristiano Ronaldo, coming off a tumultuous week off the field, had set up Ricardo Quaresma’s opening goal for Portugal, and Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez hit Mexico’s equaliser just before halftime.

The result left European champion Portugal and Gold Cup winner Mexico trailing host Russia in Group A. Russia opened the tournament with a 2-0 win over New Zealand on Saturday.

Soares’ goal had to be confirmed by video review but it eventually stood. Portugal had a first-half goal by Nani disallowed after a video review, when the game was still scoreless.

Mexico controlled possession and spent more time in Portugal’s area, but the Euro 2016 champions were a constant threat on the counteratt­ack in front of 34,372 fans at the Kazan Arena.

Ronaldo made a great run from near midfield to set up Quaresma’s 34th-minute goal.

He carried the ball into the area but was surrounded by three defenders and he passed it to Quaresma, who was free from markers on the far side of the box.

The veteran forward used one touch to clear goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and then easily found the open net.

Mexico equalised 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.

Soares scored late with a right-foot shot from inside the area after Mexico midfielder Hector Herrera gave the ball away, and Moreno’s equaliser came with a firm header from close range after a corner kick.

 ?? REUTERS ?? Mexico’s Hector Moreno after scoring against Portugal in their Confederat­ions Cup match in Kazan on Sunday.
REUTERS Mexico’s Hector Moreno after scoring against Portugal in their Confederat­ions Cup match in Kazan on Sunday.

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