Mexico defeats Russia 2-1 to advance to Confederations Cup Semifinals

Andre Silva added a third on 80 minutes before Nani completed the rout in stoppage time to ensure Portugal finished above Mexico on goal difference.

It was a typically efficient performance from Portugal who never looked in real danger despite a sluggish start.

Portugal were 2-0 up when he picked up his second yellow card of the tournament for a tackle in the middle of the pitch.

Alexei Smertin said that Russian footballers should play more official games on the global level, rather than just friendly matches.

Coastweek- The 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup kicked off on June 17 with the finals of the prestigious tournament expected on July 2.

"We managed to show good football", Russian Federation coach Stanislav Cherchesov said.

He added that because there are many young players in Russian Federation who have never played in the national team before; therefore, the Confederations Cup is a great chance for them to strut their stuff.

"This team are on the right path, they have got great character, great belief and it's a young team moving in the right direction".

The new Manchester City signing turned his right ankle landing on the foot of defender Thomas Doyle and did not appear for the second half.

Marinovic made impressive saves to deny Ronaldo, Andre Silva and Nani but was powerless stop Andre Silva when he collected the ball on the halfway line, ran at two defenders who backed off, and fired his shot into the far corner.

The veteran forward has always worked well as Ronaldo's partner up front, helping create scoring opportunities and being precise with his finishing in front of the goal.

Team Mexico cruised past Russian Federation with 2-1 win in the third and final group stage match of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, knocking the hosts out from further battle for the trophy, APA reports quoting TASS.

Mexico went ahead seven minutes after the break, Akinfeev making a calamitous decision to come for a long ball and missing it, allowing Lozano a simple finish. It took a high bounce just outside the box, and Hirving Lozano beat Akinfeev to the ball.

Nevertheless, Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov said the team had made major strides since past year.

Moments later, Hector Moreno thought he had a third goal for Mexico - which would have seen them take the group lead over Portugal - but it was ruled out for offside following a video review.

"Every goalkeeper is entitled to commit mistakes and it is something you have to live with", he told reporters.

"I think, in some cases, the opponents scored very quickly [in other matches] even if they maybe didn't deserve it".