Mexico come from behind to beat hosts
Mexico came back from 1-0 down to beat Russia 2-1 and advance to the Confederations Cup semifinals.
Despite once again conceding the first goal of the game, Mexico overcame Russia in Kazan to reach the semifinals of the Confederations Cup.
Mexico dominated possession in the first half, with well over 60% of the ball and it was reported Manchester City target Hirving Lozano who had the first effort of the game as he cut in from the right and fired a low shot that Akinfeev easily dealt with. Despite their dominance Mexico created very little and despite having less of the ball the Russians had the better chances. Erokhin should have done better when he was set free but contrived to fire over, meanwhile the tournament hosts also had 2 penalty appeals turned down. Zhirkhov flashed a shot wide from the edge of the box, before Smolov hit the woodwork from range. Russia were rewarded for their efforts shortly afterwards when Samedov converted from 10 yards to make it 1-0 after good work from Golovin down the left. The lead lasted just 5 minutes as Mexico drew level through Nestor Araujo who looped a header past Igor Akinfeev.
Russia started the second half well, creating a chance for Smolov within seconds of the restart and seeing a goal disallowed for offside shortly afterwards. However their momentum was stopped in its tracks when Lozano gave Mexico the lead on 52 minutes. Herrera hoofed the ball clear and Lozano set off in pursuit, as Akinfeev waited for it to drop the winger bravely put his head in there to flick the ball over the stranded goalkeeper. Mexico thought they had scored again 8 minutes later when Moreno fired past Akinfeev but the goal was disallowed after consulting the VAR as Moreno was offside. Any hopes Russia had of getting anything out of the game effectively disappeared after 68 minutes when former Chelsea man Yuri Zhirkov was sent off for elbowing Migel Layun. Russia did have one great chance with 10 men as Smolinkov headed over when well placed.
The result, combined with Portugal's 4-0 win against New Zealand means that Portugal win group A, whilst Mexico also advance to the semi-finals in second place. Russia become the first host nation to not reach the semifinals of the Confederations Cup.