Portugal denied by late Mexico equaliser
– Portugal conceded a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Mexico at the Confederations Cup yesterday.
Cristiano Ronaldo teed up Ricardo Quaresma to fire Portugal ahead in the first half in Kazan, but the goal was cancelled out before the break by Mexico striker Javier Hernandez’s bullet header.
Cedric Soares restored Portugal’s lead in the 86th minute, but Hector Moreno’s stoppage-time header salvaged a point for Mexico in their Group A opener.
Ronaldo is reportedly furious over a tax probe into the off-shore accounts dealing with his image rights, and has reportedly vowed to leave Spain.
According to Spanish paper Marca yesterday, Real Madrid’s coach Zinedine Zidane even broke off his holiday to call Ronaldo to try to persuade his star not to quit the club.
But Portugal’s talisman was at his best in an action-packed first half in his team’s opening match, with hosts Russia and New Zealand still to come in the group.
Ronaldo’s superb volley looked to have helped Portugal take the lead, but the video assistant referee came to Mexico’s rescue after Nani had put the ball in the net.
When Ronaldo’s volley thudded against the crossbar, Nani pounced on the rebound, but the video ref spotted that four players were offside. – AFP
KAZAN, Russia