Russia 2 New Zealand 0: Hosts begin Confederations Cup with comfortable win

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World champions Germany and the champions from FIFA's six confederations are competing in the two-week tournament that will allow Russian Federation to test its soccer infrastructure in four of the 11 cities hosting World Cup matches.

The Russian president made it a national priority to win hosting rights for the 2018 World Cup in a fierce Federation Internationale de Football Association bidding contest seven years ago.

But this ID also serves as an additional security measure as fans can not enter the stadium without it even if they have a ticket for the match.

Mexico are the other team in Russia's group in the eight-team tournament; Germany, Chile, Australia and Cameroon are in the other group before two semi-finals and then the final in St Petersburg on 2 July.

Three of the previous nine tournaments have been won by the host nation.

The Krasnodar striker has netted 18 times in just 22 appearances this season, and will be relied on for more goals, should his side have any hope of progressing to the knockout stages.

The competition hosts pressed forward from the outset, forcing the All Whites to clear two attempts off the line in quick succession, while a penalty shout was denied and a goal was ruled out for offside all before the half-hour.

For Putin, the World Cup is an opportunity to showcase the country to a global audience. After this match, New Zealand are now without a win in 10 Confed Cup matche.

The Oceania champions New Zealand meets the host nation Russian Federation in Saint Petersburg on 18:00 Local time. Are they over their disappointing Euro 2016 campaign? The son of former England worldwide Alan Hudson, Anthony refuses to downplay his side's potential.

Strong to severe storms possible for Father's Day
That is good news for day number 2 at the CVS Charity Classic; ahead of the rain, it will be muggy with some hazy sun. Monday morning storms will likely be ongoing, so you'll want to allow extra time for tomorrow's morning commute.

KAZAN, Russia (AP) - Portugal is not anxious about Cristiano Ronaldo being distracted at the Confederations Cup by talk of his possible departure from Real Madrid.

However, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said last week terrorism did not pose any threat to Confederations Cup participants and spectators.

The Russian team is playing its next match against Portugal at Spartak Arena in Moscow on June 21.

Ronaldo is looking to help Portugal build on their European Championship triumph by capturing another piece of silverware.

Cristiano Ronaldo's future may be dominating the headlines but his new haircut is earning him "stick" from his Portugal team-mates, says Jose Fonte.

The hosts made four changes from their pre-tournament 1-1 friendly draw with Chile.

"If sanctions and education do not work then we have to take it further", said the Federation Internationale de Football Association official, who said it has prepared an anti-racism message from Diego Maradona to be revealed on Saturday. "Welcome to the FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia", Infantino said.

"We're a tight-knit team and we really understand all the different phases we have to go through: when it's time to train we train, and when it's time to kick back and relax we do that too".

Mexico's federation has been fined $120,000 by FIFA in recent months.

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