Their 2-0 loss to hosts Russian Federation in Saturday's opening Group A match means Oceania champions New Zealand have now gone a record 10 games without a win at the tournament having left the 1999, 2003 and 2009 editions empty-handed.
Ronaldo was named man of the match in his country's Confederations Cup game with Mexico but failed to attend the press conference which comes with the award, speaking only about the game in a brief interview with Federation Internationale de Football Association.
It was the second time Juan Carlos Osorio's men came from behind in an undulating match, with Hernandez heading home in the 42nd minute after Ricardo Quaresma opened the scoring.
Argentine referee Nestor Pitana disallowed a goal by Portugal's Pepe in the 21st minute of the first half after consulting the video assistant referee, reported Efe.
Giovani dos Santos and Mexico will look to put themselves in the driver seat for qualification to the Knockout Round of the Confederations Cup when they face off against New Zealand (FS1/10 a.m. PT) in Sochi.
The Besiktas winger drew Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and tapped home the opening goal.
Coaches and players at both games seemed willing to give the system the benefit of the doubt, but some also raised the emotional difficulties it can cause players.
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Easily the All Whites most familiar opponent in their group, Mexico are also the opposition New Zealand are most familiar with outside of the Oceania confederation in recent times.
"We played a team that has very good, technical players", said Portugsl coach Fernando Santos.
"It was in the previous move after Cristiano [Ronaldo]'s shot hit the crossbar". The midfield was among the strongest components on the Mexico team with players like Andres Guardado and Jonathan Dos Santos linking up the whole game for the Aztec side.
What Confederations Cup matches are being played today?
"I first of all thank the fans for voting for me, but it's not the result that we wanted".
Their advantage would last just eight minutes, as Mexico's record goalscorer Javier Hernandez met a right wing cross with a diving header to pull his team level on the verge of half-time.
What they are saying: "This is a great team. We have just added accredited journalists, who previously had the right for free travel only within city limits, to those categories", he said.
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