Mexico eliminates Russia from Confed Cup

KAZAN, Russia — Host nation Russia fought valiantly but could not avoid early elimination at the Confederations Cup after a 2-1 loss to Mexico on Saturday, a result that secured the Mexicans a place in the semifinals of the World Cup warm-up tournament.

Portugal also advanced from Group A after beating last-place New Zealand 4-0 in St. Petersburg.

Needing a victory to advance from their difficult group, the hosts played well and took the lead with a goal by Alexander Samedov in the first half, but the experienced Mexicans equalized through Nestor Araujo before halftime and secured the victory early in the second with a goal by Hirving Lozano after a mistake by Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.

The Russians had plenty of chances, but poor finishing kept them from earning a better result. Several players missed clear scoring opportunities throughout the match in front of 41,585 fans at Kazan Arena.

Russian players gathered in the middle of the pitch to salute fans after the final whistle and were applauded by the crowd.

“We managed to show good football,” Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov said. “We are making steps in the right directions.”

PORTUGAL 4, NEW ZEALAND 0: In St. Petersburg, Russia, European champion Portugal showed 95thranked New Zealand the respect of selecting Cristiano Ronaldo and other stars when rest was an option.

The strategy helped Ronaldo get his 75th international goal and Portugal an ultimately easy victory.

It also cost Portugal the services of Pepe in the semifinals. The tough defender is suspended for being shown a yellow card for a crude challenge just before he could be substituted.

MLS

FIRE 4, ORLANDO CITY 0: In Bridgeview, Ill., David Accam had his first MLS hat trick and added an assist to help Chicago beat Orlando City for the first time in league play.

Chicago (10-3-4) extended its unbeaten streak to nine and is undefeated in 12 home matches. Orlando (7-6-5) is 1-5-2 on the road.

NY CITY FC 2, RED BULLS 0: In Harrison, N.J., Ben Sweat scored his first MLS goal and assisted on Jack Harrison’s goal in New York City FC’s victory over New York.

NYC (9-5-3) won for the first time at Red Bull Arena and for the second time in seven MLS meetings with the Red Bulls (7-8-2).

UNION 1, D.C. UNITED 0: In Chester, Pa., Fabrice “Fafa” Picault scored on a dazzling volley and Andre Blake made two spectacular second-half saves as Philadelphia (5-7-4) beat D.C. United (5-9-3) for the second time in three meetings this season.

CREW 4, IMPACT 1: In Columbus, Ohio, Federico Higuain scored twice in Columbus’ victory over Montreal. The Crew is (8-9-1), the Impact 4-8-4.

ATLANTA UNITED 1, RAPIDS 0: In Atlanta, Josef Martinez scored in the 67th minute to help expansion Atlanta (7-7-3) beat Colorado (5-10-1).

WHITECAPS 2, MINNESOTA UNITED 2: In Minneapolis, Francisco Calvo and Jerome Thiesson scored second-half goals and expansion Minnesota (5-9-3) rallied to tie Vancouver.

EARTHQUAKES 2, RLS 1: In San Jose, Calif., Danny Hoesen scored his second goal of the season and assisted on Marco Urena’s second goal, lifting San Jose (6-6-5) past Real Salt Lake (5-11-2).

SKC 2, GALAXY 1: In Carson, Calif., Ike Opara scored on a bicycle kick in for Sporting Kansas City (8-4-6) in a victory over Los Angeles (6-6-4).