SAINT PETERSBURG: Hosts Russia got off to a winning start at the Confederations Cup on Saturday (Sunday in Manila), Fedor Smolov’s second-half goal sealing a 2-0 win over New Zealand in Saint Petersburg in the tournament opener. It was the ideal start for the Russians in a game played at the new Krestovsky Stadium, where President Vladimir Putin and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino both gave speeches before kick-off. This competition offers Russia a chance to showcase its readiness to host the 2018 World Cup amidst off-field concerns surrounding hooliganism and security. Smolov had an effort ruled out for offside before the opening goal arrived just after the half-hour mark. But Russia did increase their lead with just over 20 minutes left, Smolov finding Samedov on the right and then arriving unmarked in the box to convert his team-mate’s cross.

Source: Manila Times June 18, 2017 09:45 UTC