Ronaldo at crossroads lacks customary drive

THE speculation on his future is growing and for once Cristiano Ronaldo did not make the impact that has made him a global superstar as Portugal drew 2-2 with Mexico in their opening Confederations Cup match in Kazan.

An equaliser from Mexico substitute Hector Moreno denied Ronaldo’s side a victory. Cedric Soares had looked like being the European champions’ hero with his 86th-minute deflected shot, but Moreno’s header from a corner spoiled the Southampton defender’s celebration of his first goal for his country.

The late drama took much of the focus away from Portugal captain Ronaldo who, apart from a brilliant pass to set up Ricardo Quaresma’s opener, failed to inspire his side.

There was huge focus on Ronaldo, left, after news broke on Friday of his desire to leave Real Madrid and quit Spain for good because of his unhappiness at a tax investigation against him, but he frequently cut an isolated figure up

front due to Portugal coach Fernando Santos’ cautious tactics.

Portugal took the lead in the 34th minute, with Ronaldo, who has now scored or provided an assist in each of his past seven games for the national team, at the heart of it.

He capitalised on a misjudged header by Carlos Salcedo to race into the penalty area and, given too much time to turn, picked out the unmarked Quaresma, who deceived Guillermo Ochoa with his first touch and slotted home with his second.

Another defensive error allowed Mexico to draw level three minutes before the break. Raphael Guerreiro missed a cross at the far post and Carlos Vela hooked the ball back across for Hernandez to power home a diving header.

The game was into its final 10 minutes when Soares’ lung-bursting run into the penalty area ended with him scoring via a huge deflection off Hector Herrera. But Portugal’s celebrations were premature as Moreno equalised.