Confederations Cup: Wednesday Wins for El Tri, Portugal; Kiwis Eliminated

The second cycle of group-stage games in the FIFA Confederations Cup commenced on Wednesday with two Group A contests played in Russia.

At Moscow:

Despite all the distractions over his status with Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal of the match in the eighth minute as Portugal knocked off Russia 1-0.

At Sochi:

Raul Jimenez (54') and Oribe Peralta (72') each scored a second-half goal as Mexico eliminated New Zealand from the tournament 2-1.

Group A Standings:

1.    Mexico (GP: 1; GD: +1; PTS: 4)
2.    Portugal (GP: 1; GD: +1; PTS: 4)
3.    Russia (GP: 1; GD: +1; PTS: 3)
4. z-New Zealand (GP: 1; GD: -3; PTS: 0)

NOTE: Mexico has scored four total goals, compared to three for Portugal.


z-Eliminated from tournament