Portugal 2-1 Mexico
The meeting of Portugal and Mexico might just be a battle for third place, but it certainly ranks as one of the best football games of the Confederations Cup.
In a day when Portugal were without attacking linchpin, Cristiano Ronaldo, Coach Fernando Santos and his boys still found a way to thrill online betting and secure a podium finish in this rehearsal for next year’s World Cup.
Of course, it didn’t come easy for the Portuguese as Mexico almost defied betting odds, leading the game 1-0 in second-half stoppage time – thanks to central defender Luis Neto who had put through a 54th-minute own goal.
However, Pepe’s late equaliser – after the clock ticked past 90 minutes – allowed Portugal to send the match to extra-time and win it 14 minutes later.
Portugal had plenty of chances to score, with stand-in skipper Nani as well as Pizzi, Andre Silva, Nelson Semedo and Gelson Martins all nearly breaking the deadlock in the first period.
Nonetheless, the absence of Ronaldo was clearly felt with Portugal seemingly lacking their standard finishing.
The European Champions had more control of the ball and created more elaborate plays in the game. They even enjoyed 56 percent of the ball during regular time. But it was Mexico who took the lead first and almost won.
Carlos Vela could have doubled the lead for El Tri and pulled away for good. It was a costly miss though as Pepe converted Ricardo Quaresma’s cross in the dying seconds before Adrien Silva struck home from the penalty spot in 104 minutes.
Both teams ended the match with just ten men, with Portugal full-back Semedo sent off in the 106th minute followed by Mexico’s Raul Jimenez six minutes later.
It was indeed a fine showing for Portugal as they head home with the bronze medal in their first appearance in the tournament.
For Mexico, however, they have a lot of questions to answer as to why they weren’t able to hold on and instead threw away their lead despite having a full-strength squad.
For the latest sports update, promotions and betting picks with SBOBET get social with our official Twitter, Google+, YouTube and Facebook accounts. Visit SBOBET and join us now. Start placing your bets today!
Click for more football betting options.
