Portugal snatch victory from Mexico to seal third spot

MEXICO

1

Luis Neto 55 og After extra-time. 1-1 at 90 mins Portugal claimed third place in the Confederations Cup with a fiery 2-1 extra-time victory over Mexico in Moscow.

The European champions were within seconds of losing the third-place play-off match in normal time after central defender Luis Neto had put through his own goal after 54 minutes, turning Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez’s cross into his own net.

But Pepe, pictured, who remains in transfer limbo following his release by Real Madrid, equalised after the clock had ticked past 90 minutes when he volleyed home Ricardo Quaresma’s cross.

Then, right at the end of the first period of extra-time, Adrien Silva converted the winner from the penalty spot after Miguel Layun had handled.

Both sides finished the match with ten men. Portugal’s Nelson Semedo picked up his second yellow card in the 106th minute, and Mexico’s Raul Jimenez was red-carded six minutes later for a reckless tackle.

Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio was also sent off for his angry reaction to the referee’s decision not to give a penalty.

Portugal were without their talisman after Cristiano Ronaldo had been excused duty to see his new twins. They could have done with him in the 15th minute when Portugal were awarded a penalty after Andre Silva was bundled over by Rafael Marquez’s rash challenge. Portugal had failed to score in the semi-final shootout defeat to Chile and a fourth consecutive penalty was missed when Andre Silva’s kick was brilliantly turned aside by Guillermo Ochoa.