Russia, the host nation, fought valiantly but could not avoid early elimination at the Confederations Cup, losing to Mexico, 2-1, in Group A in Kazan on Saturday.
With its win, Mexico advanced to the semifinals of the tournament, a World Cup warm-up event. Portugal also advanced from the difficult Group A, beating last-place New Zealand, 4-0, in St. Petersburg with the help of Cristiano Ronaldo’s 75th international goal.
