Mexico looking for a first ever win against Portugal
Both coaches likely to hand starts to lesser-used players
Cristiano Ronaldo missing from the Portugal line-up
Portugal take on Mexico in the match for third place at the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017. Sunday’s game at Moscow’s Spartak Stadium, which kicks off at 15:00 (local time), is a repeat of the two sides’ Group A opener.
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FIFA.com team reporter analysis Marco Monteiro, with Portugal Portugal will be hoping their Russian re-encounter with Mexico will have a different ending to the first one. Coach Fernando Santos is likely to go with the younger members of his squad and give them some valuable exposure, with his side expected to adopt an enterprising approach in what has all the makings of an open game. Goalkeeper Jose Sa is in line for his international debut, while Luis Neto could also make an appearance in the starting line-up.
Martin Langer, with Mexico Following the hugely disappointing defeat to Germany, Mexico will be anxious to pick themselves up fast. In leaving Sochi, the Tri camp was at pains to stress the importance of finishing in the top three, though the likelihood is that Juan Carlos Osorio will hand an opportunity to his fringe players.
What you need to know
1. The head-to-head record shows that Mexico have failed to beat Portugal in four previous attempts (two defeats and two draws). There is one Russia 2017 stat El Tri can take comfort from, however: in beating the host nation in the group phase, they recorded their first ever win over European opposition in the competition.
2. Two weeks ago, Portugal and Mexico played out a 2-2 draw in Kazan in their opening match of the competition, with Hector Moreno’s late strike earning a share of the spoils for El Tri.
3. The big absentee will be Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been granted permission to return home and meet his newborn twins for the first time. Raphael Guerreiro has also been released after picking up an injury.
Possible line-ups:
Portugal: Jose Sa; Eliseu, Luis Neto, Jose Fonte, Nelson Semedo; Gelson Martins, Danilo, Bernardo Silva; Pizzi, Nani, Andre Silva
Mexico: Rodolfo Cota; Jurgen Damm, Nestor Araujo, Oswalo Alanis, Luis Reyes; Marco Fabian, Rafa Marquez, Andres Guardado; Carlos Vela, Oribe Peralta, Hirving Lozano