Chicharito with the response for El Tri! His 4th career #ConfedCup goal ties it up. @Powerade#PORMEXhttps://t.co/BDlFrkj4tV
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 18, 2017
CARSON, Calif. – Giovani dos Santos and Mexico opened the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup on Sunday with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against the reigning European champions Portugal in Kazan.
The 28-year-old entered the match in the 57th minute, going 33 minutes in El Tri’s tournament opener.
Portugal took the lead following an excellent run from Cristiano Ronaldo before he slipped an excellent pass to Ricardo Quaresma who faked out Guillermo Ochoa before slotting the ball into an open net.
Mexico wasted no time finding an equalizer as Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández scored from close range with a diving header in the 42nd minute.
The CONCACAF champions faced a tough task breaking down Portugal squad as the match remained deadlocked.
In the final 10 minutes, Cedric gave the European champions a late 2-1 lead after his shot deflected into the back of the net. El Tri would find their last-gasp equalizer from the head of Hector Moreno to force Portugal to split points on the day.
Mexico will now turn their attention to New Zealand for their match on Wednesday in Sochi. El Tri are seeking to win their second Confederations Cup after winning the tournament in Mexico in 1999.
