MOSCOW — The Latest on the World Cup draw (all times local):——9:25 p.m.Russia against Saudi Arabia is no one’s idea of an opening-day blockbuster. Still, Russia’s top government official organizing the World Cup says it won’t hurt the buzz around the tournament. ——9:05 p.m.Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has some emotional ties to World Cup group opponents Portugal and Spain. ——6:10 p.m.Vladimir Putin has formally opened the World Cup draw ceremony at the State Kremlin Palace. The five World Cup teams from Africa will get $500,000 each from the continental governing body to help prepare for the tournament.

Source: National Post December 01, 2017 10:12 UTC