Russia out of Confederations Cup after losing to Mexico

Russia have crashed out of the Confederations Cup at the group stage after blowing a lead to lose 2-1 to Mexico who qualify for the semi-finals.

Stanislav Cherchesov’s side become the first hosts of the tournament to fail to reach the knockout stage in 16 years despite taking a deserved lead through Aleksandr Samedov.

Mexico were soon level through Nestor Araujo’s looping header and were the better side in the second half after bringing on Javier Aquino for former Arsenal forward Carlos Vela.

Hirving Lozano scored a fine header after a blunder from Igor Akinfeev before the hosts' chances were wrecked by ex-Chelsea man Yuri Zhirkov being shown a red card for an elbow.

Hector Moreno had a goal ruled out for off-side by the VAR but it did not matter as Juan Carlos Osorio’s men held on to book their place in the last four after finishing runners-up in the group to Portugal.

What do Russia need to change before next year’s World Cup? This tournament is the last competitive action the hosts will see before next summer's World Cup and there is plenty to work on. Their lack of firepower upfront is the main issue with Aleksandr Erokhin not having a memorable tournament, while the disorganisation at the back for Mexico's goals will be a cause for concern.

Hirving Lozano(Mexico): The PSV Eindhoven striker was the most effective of the Mexican forwards in leading the line. And he produced a moment of bravery to get ahead of goalkeeper Akinfeev to head the ball in.

MEXICO: Ochoa 5, Araujo 7, Reyes 5, Santos 5, Layun 5, Vela 5, Hernandez 5, Moreno 6, Herrera 6, Guardado 6, Lozano 8. Subs: Reyes 5, Aquinlo 6, Alanis 5,

RUSSIA: Akinfeev 4, Vasin 5, Dzhikya 5, Glushakov 6, Smolov 7, Bukharov 5, Kudriashov 6, Golovin 7, Zhirkov 5, Samedov 7, Erokhin 6. Subs: Poloz 5, Smolnikov 5, Kanunnikov n/a

17’ – VAR SAYS NO PENALTY! Araujo misjudged the bounce of the ball into the box, Smolov was through on goal before the defender appeared to bundle him to the ground. The referee is now going to the VAR which rules no spot-kick.

24’ – WOODWORK! Smolov rattles the post with a brilliant effort from distance, the rebound then strikes a team-mate.

25’ -GOAL FOR RUSSIA! Samedov strokes the ball into the corner from close range after good work from Golovin on the left who pinged in the cross.

31‘ - GOAL FOR MEXICO! From a free-kick 25 yards out Guardado's effort was parried, the ball is played back into the box and Araujo peels off his man to pull off a looping header for the equaliser.

50’ - DISALLOWED GOAL! A neat move involving Smolov results in the ball threaded through to Samedov who dinks the ball over the keeper but its chalked off for a clear off-side.

52’ - GOAL FOR MEXICO! Lozano wins the race with keeper Akinfeev to head the ball in bravely from the edge of the box after a long punt forward from Herrera. It is an absolute nightmare for the keeper.

61’ - GOAL DISALLOWED BY VAR! Moreno volleys the ball in from close range. But the goal is rightly chalked off for off-side.

68’ - RED CARD! Zhirkov is shown a straight red for elbowing his marker in the face. That was senseless from the ex-Chelsea man who was already on a yellow card.

Mexico have lost just one of their last 16 games.

Russia are the first hosts to exit the Confederations Cup at the group stage since South Korea in 2001.