Mexico made eight changes to the team that impressively drew 2 - 2 with Portugal in their opening game as the likes of Chicharito, Carlos Vela, Jonathan Dos Santos, Miguel Layun and hector Herrera found themselves on the bench.
"New Zealand proved to be stiff opponents. But we were better, we had more chances", he said.
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) - Portugal coach Fernando Santos could deny himself the pleasure of seeing Cristiano Ronaldo play against New Zealand on Saturday.
New Zealand are already out after throwing away their lead over Mexico in the second game, so it's all about Portugal's task.
They also went on to lose their second game in the competition on Thursday night as Mexico beat them by a 2-1 scoreline amid ugly scenes.
Things remain tight in Group A before Saturday's final round.
But Ronaldo passed up a glorious opportunity to extend his side's lead just past the hour when he headed wide from Andre Gomes' cross as Portugal broke at pace.
"He is here to talk about the game, full stop, not about his life and his family".
The Kiwis will breathe a slight sigh of relief if Ronaldo is rested, with the Real Madrid star netting 15 times in his last nine matches for club and country. We know Portugal are world class and they pose different problems to Mexico, but we are going to come to this game with the same mentality.
Qatar's neighbours issue demands to end crisis
Sheikh Meshal said that Qatar has the right to chart its own course, without the interference of other nations. Suspend the ties with the Muslim Brotherhood, a forbidden organization in the Arab states .
The New Zealand and Leeds United striker proceeded to put his side in front shortly before the break, and could have doubled his tally before half time.
The 32-year-old netted the only goal of the game to help the European champions to victory in Moscow, beating goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev from close range early on.
Mexico faced off against New Zealand to defeat them in a crushing comeback during Wednesday's second Group A matchup in Sochi, Russia.
Osorio, 56, got into a heated argument with one of New Zealand's assistant coaches after Mexico's Carlos Salcedo went down with a shoulder injury in the first-half.
But he was all smiles, escorting a young mascot in a wheelchair out onto the Moscow pitch before netting his first Confederations Cup goal.
Russian Federation need to beat Mexico in Kazan to avoid their prospects hinging on a Portugal loss, while a point would be enough for the Mexicans to advance.
New Zealand's head coach Anthony Hudson played down the incident.
"Whether we are doing well or not people will always criticise us so we [the players] don't care what they say".
Mexico ended the day as Group A leaders with four points, ahead of Portugal on goal difference.
Comments