Football
ESPN staff 7y

Juan Carlos Osorio hails Mexico's 'resilience' in defeat of hosts Russia

Juan Carlos Osorio hailed Mexico's "resilience" as they came from behind to beat Russia 2-1 at the Confederations Cup and advance to the semifinals.

Nestor Araujo and Hirving Lozano scored to offset a first-half opener from Russia'sĀ Aleksandr Samedov to help Mexico join Portugal in the tournament's last-four. It was the third time in as many games in Russia that Osorio's team had conceded first and had to fight back.

Osorio told his postmatch news conference: "One of the biggest things this team has got going for it is its resilience. We know how to keep on going till the very last minute, with determination, passion -- always within the spirit of the game -- and courage.

"I'm very happy because the boys have really listened and they've given their all."

The loss puts an end to host Russia's run in the tournament, and the Mexico boss admitted his team knew they'd be up a very motivated side that were playing in front of home fans.

"We knew we were going to have a really tough game against a very strong side in the host nation, who simply had to go for the win," Osorio said. "We competed very well and we're building a team that keeps on showing that it has the ability and determination to give as good as it gets against any side.

"This is a big victory for Mexican football. I think we deserved to win and we're delighted with the result and the performance of the team."

Mexico will now wait to see the results of Sunday's last group-stage matches to see which team they'll face in the semifinals, with the likely opponent either Chile or Germany.

^ Back to Top ^