Portugal Win 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup Bronze in Game Against Mexico

Thousands attended one of Sunday’s two Confederations Cup games in Russia. While some football fans went to see the Germany play Chile at St. Petersburg’s Zenit Arena, others chose Moscow’s Spartak Stadium, where Mexico and Portugal competed for third place.

For those who went to see the Confederations Cup playoff in the Russian capital, it was a chance to enjoy great football. Both Mexico’s El Tri, and Portugal, which holds the European champions title, are strong teams. So even though both defeated Russia earlier during the Confederations Cup, more than 42,000 Russian fans, as well as small groups of Portuguese and Mexican fans arrived at Moscow’s Spartak Stadium.

Despite the fact that Russia lost to Mexico 2:1 in late June, many Russian football fans wore Mexican colors to the game. Some of them, like Platon Lebedev, who was accompanied by his dad, are quite young.

Platon Lebedev, together with dad, rooting for El Tri: "I wish Mexico wins, scoring 3 goals, maybe 4" pic.twitter.com/6aJtE5gjAV

— Denis Bolotsky (@BolotskySputnik) 2 июля 2017 г.

​Portugal fans were quite confident too, even despite Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the camp earlier to attend to his newborn twins.

“It’s gonna be a tight game,” said Portugal fan João, who wants to see his favorite national team players – Gelson Martins, Ricardo Quaresma and Nani.

Portugal fans taking photos before the game in Moscow. pic.twitter.com/c9IVdhvmJw

— Denis Bolotsky (@BolotskySputnik) 2 июля 2017 г.

​João’s predictions were very close: Mexico scored the first goal nine minutes into the second half, with Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez leading the attack and Portugal’s Luis Neto, unwittingly deflecting the ball into his own net.

Nevertheless, Portugal fought back with Pepe equalizing the score 1:1. Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa had several outstanding saves during the game, but eventually it didn’t save El Tri from loss: Portugal’s midfielder Adrien Silva scored the winning goal 2:1.

#CONFEDCUP| FT

🇵🇹2-1🇲🇽
⚽️Luis Neto (54') OG
⚽️Pepe (90'+1)
⚽️Adrien Silva (104') PEN

More ➡️ https://t.co/O6SpbY1Je3#PORMEX pic.twitter.com/C3cvqhylwm

— #ConfedCup (@FIFAcom) 2 июля 2017 г.

​In addition to Moscow's Spartak stadium, the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup matches were held at three other venues — Fisht in Sochi, Kazan Arena in Kazan and at St. Petersburg's Zenit Arena. For Russia, it was a perfect chance to put its key sporting facilities to the t