Mexico Snatches Late 2-2 Draw against Portugal in FIFA Confederations Cup

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Ronaldo played well and made the first goal but did not score.

The FIFA Confederations Cup is viewed by experts as a rehearsal for the organizers, with only one year to go to the FIFA World Cup. What is clear is that nobody is any the wiser following this game.

The 32-year-old was obliged to appear in front of the cameras after being named as FIFA's official man of the match at the Kazan Arena in Russian Federation. "Treatment" was given as the reason, but there was no obvious ailment when he was ushered swiftly through the mixed zone - where the media carry out interviews with players - 10 minutes later.

But Portugal's celebrations were premature as Moreno popped up with the equaliser.

Portugal had closed ranks around their captain, and it is perfectly understandable: They are here to win the tournament.

Portugal seemed destined to claim the Group A points, but Mexico rallied again and equalized in added time when Hector Moreno rose highest to head in a corner.

El Tri were no pushovers in the match despite Portugal heading into Kazan Arena as the favourites.

Whether it was the right flank in the first half or the left in the second half, Quaresma was quite easily the most menacing of attacking players for Portugal ahead of the much fancied Ronaldo.

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As is often the case, Ronaldo thundered his set-piece straight at the wall after lining up for it, but showed excellent skill to crack a left-foot shot at goal in the aftermath that bounced back off the bar.

Mexico's all-time top scorer grabbed his 48th global goal from 93 appearances after some terrible defending by Portugal. Piling bodies forward in the hunt for a goal, Gelson Martins fired the ball into the area, with a ricochet taking it into the path of Cedric who fired a deflected effort into the back of the net. However, other than that he did not threaten Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

"At the start we couldn't enjoy good control of the ball but then we managed to balance things out and could have won it..."

'We played the European champions on equal terms, we generated chances but couldn't finish them, ' said Osorio.

For now it remains Ronaldo who rules the roost.

But Mexico responded with Hernandez testing Portugal keeper Rui Patricio, before putting his side level.

Ronaldo's superb volley looked to have helped Portugal take the lead, but the video assistant referee came to Mexico's rescue after Nani had put the ball in the net.

Portugal will probably need performances more befitting a man-of-the-match gong from Ronaldo if they are going to win this competition; they will also be praying that the rumbling narrative from Spain eases up a little over the next fortnight.

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