KEIR RADNEDGE in KAZAN —- Hosts Russia slid out of the Confederations Cup at the group stage as they lost 2-1 to Mexico in the Kazan Arena while Portugal joined  El Tri in the semi-finals, beating New Zealand 4-0 in St Petersburg,

The Russians needed a victory to pull themselves back up into the reckoning. They even snatched a 25th-minute lead through Alexander Samedov. But Mexico recovered through Nestor Araujo (30min) and Hirving Lozano (52) and were well in command when their hosts were reduced to 10 men by the 68th-minute expulsion of Yuri Zhirkov for a second card.

Mexico had a third goal, by Hector Moreno, disallowed for offside by the video assistant. However they were so much the superior team that a two-goal margin would have been perfectly deserved.

In St Petersburg, the other Group A tie saw already-eliminated New Zealand concede two goals in each half to European champions Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 75th goal for his country with a 33rd-minute penalty and Bernardo Silva struck again six minutes later. Andre Silva struck a third with 10 minutes remaining before Nani claimed a fourth in stoppage time.

Portugal and Mexico both finished on seven points with Ronaldo & Co taking top spot on superior goal difference. Russia finished third and New Zealand bottom.

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