Mexico stops New Zealand advancing, Ronaldo saves Portugal

CAIRO – 22 June 2017: Oribe Piralta scored a goal for Mexico in the 73th minute of the match, leading Mexico to the top of the group, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s header secured 3 points for Portugal against their host, Russia, in the second round for group A on Wednesday.

In the first match, Russia hoped for a win over Euro title holders Portugal, but Ronaldo scored a goal in the first half and his team managed to keep Russians away from their goal and secure the three points.

In another match, Mexico played New Zealand under the pressure of the first match’s result, which cost them a goal by New Zealand defender Chris Wood.

Mexico succeeded to stop their opponent’s advance by scoring 2 goals, one each by Raul Jimenez and Oriba Piralta.

Mexico reached the top of the group with 4 points with only one goal ahead of Portugal, while Russia moved to third position, hoping for a win over Mexico in the last group match to avoid early elimination like the fourth team, New Zealand.