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News > Sport

Portugal and Mexico Through to Confederations Cup Semi-Finals

  • Mexico's Hirving Lozano celebrates scoring their second goal at the FIFA Confederations Cup in, Kazan, Russia, June 24, 2017.

    Mexico's Hirving Lozano celebrates scoring their second goal at the FIFA Confederations Cup in, Kazan, Russia, June 24, 2017. | Photo: Reuters

Published 24 June 2017
Opinion

Host nation Russia bow out of the tournament.

Mexico have scored 2-1 over hosts Russia in Kazan taking them through to the Confederations Cup semi-finals.

RELATED: 
Russia Win Against New Zealand in Confederations Cup Opener

Portugal topped Group A and joined the Mexicans after beating last-place New Zealand in St. Petersburg.

Russia took the lead in the first half with a goal by Alexander Samedo, but minutes later, the experienced Mexicans equalized with Nestor Araujo before halftime.

In the 52nd minute, Mexico’s Hirving Lozano nodded the ball into the net from 20 yards after a blunder by Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, helped Mexico to secure victory. 

One of the best chances for Russia came in the 72nd when substitute Igo Smolnikov also sent his shot over the crossbar from very close range, but it went over the crossbar. 

Mexico also had a second-half goal by defender Hector Moreno, but was ruled offside after video review. 

In another Group A match, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal gained a comfortable 4-0 win over New Zealand. 

Ronaldo put Portugal ahead with a penalty kick in the 33rd minute. It was his 75th international goal. Four minutes later, Bernardo Silva slipped a shot into an unguarded goal. 

Andre Silva dribbled deep into the New Zealand penalty area to score with a rising shot in the 80th and Nani drilled in a fourth goal for Portugal during stoppage time.

New Zealand almost pulled a goal back just before the hour when Tom Doyle flashed a sensational ball into the six-yard box for Chris Wood, but Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio blocked it on the line. 

In the semifinals, Portugal will play against the runner-up in Group B on Wednesday in Kazan. 

Chile will face Austrialia and Germany will play Cameroon on Sunday to determine the final standings of Group B. 

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