Portugal will lament giving up a 91st minute equalizer to Mexico in their opening Confederations Cup match, but it’s a result that doesn’t greatly harm the aspirations of the two sides favored to advance from Group A. Ricardo Quaresma gave Portugal the lead in the 34th minute, only for Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez to equalize three minutes before halftime for Mexico.
It’s that time of year: the temperature is hotter, the days are longer, and players are heading for the exit and onto new clubs. Take a look at which Europe-based stars might make the leap to the states this summer.
On Sunday, we’ll be treated to only the fourth-ever meeting between Mexico and Portugal and the second-ever competitive fixture between the two nations. The match is also extremely rare where personal records are concerned — it’s not everyday that you see two all-time top goal scorers for their country go toe to toe.
With 47 goals from 92 appearances, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez is El Tri’s record holder, averaging 0.51 goals per game. For Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo has found the back of the net a record 73 times in 139 caps, good for 0.53 goals per game.
History and Background
Since the Confederations Cup began in 1992, Mexico have only missed out on three occasions — making them joint leaders in participation alongside Brazil with seven appearances. They hosted the tournament in 1999 and ended up winning it, beating their arch-rivals the United States in the semifinals and then Brazil in the final.
Mexico international defender Carlos Salcedo, having wrapped up his loan at Fiorentina, is on the move to Eintracht Frankfurt on loan. Salcedo's rights are still owned by Chivas, where he played from 2015-2016.
VIVA MÉXICO
Carlos Salcedo joins #SGE on loan for one year.
Welcome to the #Eintracht family, Carlos! pic.twitter.com/Bu565lYu45
Mexico international center back Hector Moreno is on the move. He's leaving behind Mexico teammate Andres Guardado for the sunny, cosmopolitan world of AS Roma.
First signing of the summer: Done
Hector Moreno is an #ASRoma player!
The Nike Vapor kits, while extremely light and perfect for those who suffer from hyperhidrosis, have been globally panned for their bland approach that makes the United States look like England look like Portugal look like Paris Saint-Germain.
The United States escaped the Azteca with a valuable point thanks to a sensational goal from Michael Bradley before Carlos Vela leveled for Mexico, the match ending in a 1-1 draw after 90 thrilling minutes in Mexico City. The result saw the U.S. climb to third in the Hexagonal table, and Mexico further solidified their spot at the top.
A lethal counterattack from Mexico started with a Guillermo Ochoa throw and ended with Carlos Vela cutting in from the right before firing a shot inside Brad Guzan’s near post. In between, there was a lot of understated brilliance from Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez.
Chicharito controlled Ochao’s throw inside Mexico’s own half and immediately drove at the American defense. With Kellyn Acosta looking to close him down, Chicharito delivered a devastating nutmeg before playing it wide to Vela.