The #ConfedCup starts tomorrow on @FS1 (10am ET), but all eyes will be on Ronaldo’s Portugal vs Mexico this Sunday (9:30am ET, FS1). #PORMEXpic.twitter.com/ulOAFSAQp1
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2017
CARSON, Calif. – Giovani dos Santos and Mexico open the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup on Sunday when they take on reigning European champions Portugal in Kazan.
The CONCACAF champions face a tough task as they face a Portugal squad that boasts world superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal head into the tournament as one of the favorites and have not lost to El Tri in three previous meetings between the two countries.
Just a year out from the World Cup and after a brutal qualifying slate that included a win over Honduras and a testy draw with the United States, the match against Ronaldo’s Portugal is an important barometer for Mexico.
"[These are] two quality national teams and our opener us against Portugal, which is without doubt one of the favorites for the title," said Mexico defender Miguel Layun told ESPN FC. "It'll be a nice game and we've worked hard to get things right."
Following their clash with the Portuguese, Mexico will play New Zealand on Wednesday in Sochi. El Tri are seeking to win their second Confederations Cup after winning the tournament in Mexico in 1999.
