Russia beat New Zealand as FIFA Confederation Cup begins

Hosts Russia opened the 2017 Confederations Cup with a 2-0 win against New Zealand in St Petersburg on Saturday.

Russia were dominant throughout the game, and they took the lead in the 31st-minute, as Kiwi defender Michael Boxall credited with an own-goal after a blunder by a fellow defender.

A second seemed inevitable as Russia remained firmly on the front foot. The goal went in on 69 minutes as Fedor Smoldov sealed the three points to the delight of over 68,000 fans.

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The hosts had a positive start to the tournament which serves as a test run of facilities ahead of the FIFA World Cup to be hosted them in 2018.

Russia are now top of Group A, which has Portugal and Mexico also in it – who both will play the second match of the group on Sunday.

Playing also on Sunday are African Champions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon against Chile, as Australia and Germany – the other teams in Group B – will also battle it out on Monday.

 

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