Unfortunately for the hosts they were edged out each time. Cristiano Ronaldo’s header on Wednesday was enough to see Portugal past Russia at Spartak Moscow’s brand new stadium and Mexico had too much for them here in Kazan. Out they go.Mexico came from behind to beat 10-man Russia 2-1 to book a place in the Confederations Cup semi-finals and send the hosts crashing out.
Stanislav Cherchesov's side needed to win to qualify for the knockout rounds from Group A but despite scoring the opening goal Russia self-destructed by conceding two terrible goals that gifted Mexico victory.
Russia had seen two penalty appeals rejected before taking the lead after 25 minutes, Alexander Samedov finishing well from inside the box after Aleksandr Erokhin teed him up following a miskick. Portugal and Mexico but the authorities and fans can be proud of what has been a successful event so far. Stadiums have been relatively full and there is an ease of operation around the venues. Thousands of smiling volunteers are only too happy to help.
And far from gangs of MMA fighters lying in wait for opposition fans in dark alleys, the Russian supporters have done plenty to overturn any preconceived notion travellers might have had about coming here. Russian football supporters get plenty of negative press but here they showed that characterisations in the western press are moronic.Stanislav Cherchesov’s side came into this tournament in their lowest-ever Fifa World Ranking slot at 63. They were drawn alongside European champions Portugal and the best North America has to offer in Mexico. It was always going to be a stretch to qualify, particularly with three points on offer for every team against New Zealand. How Russia fared against the other two teams who had taken a point off each other on matchday one was all that was going to matter.
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