2017 FIFA Confederations Cup: Russia Beats New Zealand 1st Match Highlights
The 10th FIFA Confederations Cup started on June 17 in Russia. The 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup is an international football tournament organized by FIFA in the men’s category. The series is quadrennial in nature and will be played till July 2, 2017. The tournament is being played as a precursor to the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The series was opened with a speech of FIFA President Gianni Infantino inside the Saint Petersburg Stadium. Russian President Vladimir Putin and legendary player Pele were also present at the ceremony. Brazil has won the FIFA Confederations Cup for consecutive 3 years and was the defending champions but failed to qualify this time as they lost to Paraguay in the quarter finals of the 2015 Copa América. The first match of the tourney was played between Russia and New Zealand of Group A on June 17, Saturday. The hosts Russia won the match 2-0. Here are highlights of the match as it happened. 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup: Russia Beats New Zealand 1st Match Highlights
Hosts Russia Beats New Zealand in the Opening Match
The opening match of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup was played between hosts Russia and New Zealand at Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg on June 17. Team Russia has already advanced to the knockout stage. The Russian team took the lead in the match with Michael Boxall’s goal in the first-half of the match. Living up to the expectations of President Putin who called for team’s improvements, the Russian team ensured its victory in the second-half when Fyodor Smolov made the second goal. It became Smolov’s 3rd goal in total 4 internationals. With this win, Russia lies atop on the points table.
Team New Zealand Failed Terribly
Speaking of New Zealand, the team again failed to make an impression in the FIFA Confederations Match. This is the 10th FIFA Confederation Cup failure for team New Zealand. The Kiwi team has never won a single match in 10 tournaments. The team lost its grip in the beginning of the match itself. The team could not master the possession in the dangerous area. Despite certain efforts from goalkeeper Marinovic, the team failed to stop the Russian players.
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