RT is carrying special coverage of the FIFA 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia. The event kicks off in St Petersburg and will be held in three other host cities – Moscow, Kazan, and Sochi – from June 17 to July 2.
Games, interviews & behind-the-scenes: RT starts special coverage of Confed Cup in Russia
02 July 2017
For Chile v Germany match live updates CLICK HERE.
Closing ceremony
The closing ceremony has just wrapped up at St. Petersburg Stadium. It was a vibrant affair that drew on elements of St. Petersburg’s culture and history, as well as symbols from the other three host cities – Moscow, Kazan and Sochi.
Russian stars Polina Gagarina, Egor Kreed and DJ Smash wowed the fans in the stadium, while renowned ballerina Vera Arbuzova performed a wonderful solo dance. Brazilian legend Ronaldo also made an appearance, bringing out the Confederations Cup trophy.
The trophy will have a new name on it tonight – neither Chile nor Germany have won it before, with previous winners being Brazil (four times), France (twice), Argentina, Denmark and Mexico.
Portugal defeated Mexico 2-1 in extra time in Moscow to claim victory in the Confederations Cup third place playoff.
The score remains 2-1 to Portugal.
There have been two red cards in the third place playoff in Moscow. Nelson Semedo has been dismissed for Portugal, while Mexico's Raul Jimenez has been given his marching orders. Both players went after receiving two yellow cards. Into the last five minutes in that game.
Portugal have taken the lead in the third place playoff against Mexico in Moscow. Andre Silva scored from the penalty spot after a Mexico handball to make it 2-1. They are still in the first period of extra time there.
The Portugal-Mexico game is in the first period of extra time in Moscow. It's still 1-1 in the battle for third place, but Portuguese 'keeper Rui Patricio has just made a good stop from Mexico striker Hirving Lozano. A fairly even game at the moment.
Pepe has just hit an injury time equalizer for Portugal - it's now 1-1 in the third place playoff against Mexico in Moscow. That game looks destined for extra time...
Mexico have taken the lead in the battle for third place in Moscow. Portugal defender Luis Neto turned the ball into his own net after a Javier Hernandez cross on 54 minutes.
Meanwhile, Achilles the Cat has chosen his winner for tonight's final between Chile and Germany - looks like a clear vote for the Germans...
It's half-time in Moscow, where it's 0-0 between Portugal and Mexico in the third place playoff. Both sides have had decent chances to break the deadlock - including Portugal's Andre Silva, who missed a penalty on 21 minutes.
The third place playoff is underway in Moscow between Portugal and Mexico. It's goalless after 30 minutes, although Portugal striker Andre Silva saw his penalty saved by Mexico 'keeper Guillermo Ochoa.
29 June 2017
For Confederations Cup semifinal between Germany and Mexico CLICK HERE.
That’s all from our Confederations Cup updates on this page today. We will soon be switching to minute-by-minute updates for the build-up immediately before the game and once the action kicks off. Follow the action with RT Sport from around 8.30pm Moscow time.
We’ll be back on this page tomorrow with all the reaction to tonight’s big game, and the build-up to Sunday’s third place playoff and final.
Mexico defender Diego Reyes has issued something of a war cry to his team, telling them to “break through the limits.” Reyes himself is an injury doubt, so might not feature in the game.
German star Mesut Ozil is not in Russia, having been rested along with a host of other established players by boss Joachim Low.
He’s sent on his best wishes to the ‘next generation’ of German talent, though:
Some stats ahead of tonight’s Germany-Mexico clash.
Both teams are unbeaten at the tournament so far, having secured two wins and a draw.
Germany have netted more goals, however, scoring seven times, compared to Mexico’s six. The two teams have let in the same number of goals – four.
Mexico have only ever beaten Germany once – in 1985 – and Germany won their last clash, which coincidentally came 12 years ago today, when the pair met in the 2005 Confederations Cup third place playoff. That day, tournament hosts Germany prevailed 4-3 in extra-time, thanks to a free-kick by Michael Ballack.
Germany are the youngest squad at the tournament, with an average age of 24 years and four months.
Mexico boast the second-oldest play ever to appear at the Confederations Cup in their ranks – 38-year-old Rafa Marquez. He made an appearance against New Zealand in the group stage.
Mexico won the Confederations Cup as hosts in 1999, while Germany’s best finish was that third place in 2005. A gap in their CV they will be keen to fill in Russia, no doubt…
For a quick tour around Sochi - the venue for tonight's semifinal - in the capable hands of RT’s Neil Harvey and former Liverpool and England striker Stan Collymore, check out the video below.
Fisht Stadium holds over 45,000 fans and was built for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, where it hosted the opening and closing ceremonies.
Germany will be playing their third game at Sochi’s Fisht Stadium this evening. It was the scene of both of their group stage wins, against Australia and Cameroon. It’s been a happy hunting ground for them so far – will they make it three from three against Mexico tonight?
The Mexicans have appeared in Sochi once – beating New Zealand 2-1, so they also have happy memories of the Black Sea resort.
Bravo, Bravo!
After yesterday’s semifinal action in Kazan, which saw Chile beat Portugal 3-0 on penalties – with Chile ‘keeper Claudio Bravo stopping all three spotkicks he faced – attention turns to the second semifinal.
28 June 2017
For Portugal-Chile semifinal clash live updates CLICK HERE.
The line-ups are in ahead of tonight's game.
Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi has selected a fairly consistent line-up for most of the tournament, and skipper Claudio Bravo remains in goal after recovering from injury. Key men Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal are both in.
For Portugal, Andre Silva is prefered to Nani up front, while Bernardo Silva has recovered from the ankle injury that forced him off against New Zealand and lines up in midfield. Ronaldo captains the team.
Portugal have arrived at Kazan Arena ahead of the 9pm (local time) kick-off against Chile. Plenty of time to take in the atmosphere and get warmed up.
We took a look inside the Portugal dressing room earlier (see below) - here's a peek at the Chile players' changing facilities in Kazan - just over 90 mins till kick-off...
For the full lowdown on the clash between Portugal and Chile, check our RT Sport's match preview here to further whet your appetite for the big game.
A peek at the Portugal dressing room ahead of tonight's semifinal against Chile.
Aside from frontman Alexis Sanchez, midfield general Arturo Vidal will be key for Chile in tonight's game against Portugal.
Vidal is something of a rarity in a midfielder: a player who can break up opposition play, crunch into tackles, as well as pose an attacking threat through his surging forward runs and powerful heading.
Vidal was on the scoresheet in the opening game against Cameroon, and played a lovely one-two with Sanchez to set him up for Chile's goal in the game against Germany.
The Bayern Munich man will be vital to Chile's chances tonight.
As well as more experienced figures such as Ronaldo, Nani, Joao Moutinho and Bruno Alves, Portugal boast some exciting youngsters in their Confed Cup squad.
Striker Andre Silva, 21, scored a fine solo goal in the game against New Zealand, while Bernardo Silva was also on the scoresheet during that game.
Both players have been the subject of big-money moves lately, with Andre Silva moving from Porto to AC Milan for €38 million, while Bernardo Silva signed for Manchester City from Monaco in a bumper £43 million deal.
The latter Silva picked up a knock against New Zealand, but should be fit enough to feature in Kazan.
Kazan Arena is the venue for tonight's semifinal clash. The 45,000-seater stadium has hosted three games so far at this year's Confederations Cup: The 2-2 draw between Portugal and Mexico in the opening round of Group A fixtures; the 1-1 draw between Germany and Chile in the second round of Group B fixtures, and Mexico's 1-0 win over hosts Russia in the final round of Group A games.
The stadium is home to Russian Premier League team Rubin Kazan.
Some stats for you ahead of tonight's Portugal-Chile semifinal.
Portugal have never lost against their South American opponents, winning twice and drawing once in their three previous encounters.
South American teams do have the upper hand when it comes to Confed Cup semifinal meetings against reigning European champions, however, emerging victorious twice out of three meetings.
Both the teams are Confed Cup debutants.
Both teams have conceded just two goals so far this tournament, although Portugal have netted seven goals to Chile's four.
Returning to tonight's clash in Kazan between European champs Portugal and Copa America winners Chile.
One fact that's been highlighted is Portugal skipper Ronaldo's record against Chilean 'keeper Claudio Bravo. Ronaldo's had a lot of joy against the Chile goalkeeper in the past, scoring 13 times against him (Bravo was at Spanish teams Real Sociedad and Barcelona before moving to Manchester City). Will that Ronaldo total be added to tonight?
Mexico boss Juan Carlos Osorio was also speaking ahead of the game against Germany tomorrow, alongside top scorer Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez.
Discussing the issue of the youthful German squad – which at an average age of 24 years and four months is the youngest at the tournament – Osorio said his team’s experience would not necessarily be a factor.
"You can be young and have a lot of experience. A 30-year-old person that starts studying cardiology will know a lot less than a 21 year old graduate," FIFA.com reports.
Striker Hernandez - who plays for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany's Bundesliga - added: "We know them, we know about the things that could make them suffer but we are going to focus in our team and our tactics."
Germany head coach Joachim Low, who presided over his 150th game in charge of the national team in the 3-1 win over Cameroon in the final Group B game - has been speaking ahead of the clash with Mexico.
"It will be aggressive in a positive sense, it is how they have been playing for years," Low said, FIFA.com reported.
"They hunt the ball with all their players and when they have it, they play it deep quickly. We are happy to be in the semis and to face such a strong opponent like Mexico. They are a different kind of team than Cameroon and Australia, maybe on Chile's level, in their own way."
Low also praised the input of skipper Julian Draxler.
Germany take on Mexico tomorrow in Sochi - 14 years to the day that they met in the 2005 Confed Cup third-place playoff.
Germany won that game 4-3 in extra-time, thanks to a free-kick from Michael Ballack. Can they repeat the trick tomorrow?
Mexico are the only side at this year's Confed Cup to have won the Tournament of Champions, however, claiming glory as hosts in 1999 thanks to a 4-3 win over Brazil in the final.
Tonight's game in Kazan is being billed by many as a battle between two big goalscorers - Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Chile's Alexis Sanchez.
Ronaldo is joint-top scorer at the tournament so far on two goals, while Sanchez has netted once.
Copa America kings Chile have been training in the Kazan sunshine, ahead of the clash against European champions Portugal. Chile booked a semifinal spot by finishing as runners-up in Group B, ending on five points following a win against Cameroon and draws against Germany and Australia.
Portugal are returning to Kazan for the game against Chile. It was the location for their opening match of the Confed Cup against Mexico, when they drew 2-2. They haven't forgotten the support they received that day, and have tweeted a message in Russian to fans. The caption reads: How wonderful to return to Kazan! A huge thank you for your support and warm welcome. We'll never forget it!
Chile have also played at Kazan Arena before, drawing 1-1 with Germany in their Group B clash on June 22.
We've reached the semifinal stage of the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017. Portugal and Chile kick-off the knockout stage action at 9pm (local time) in Kazan, while World Cup winners Germany take on CONCACAF champions Mexico in Sochi at the same time tomorrow. We'll be bringing you the build-up to both those games throughout today and tomorrow.
25 June 2017
Portugal will play Chile in Kazan on June 28 for a place in the final. The other semifinal match between Germany and Mexico is scheduled to take place in Sochi on June 29.
Germany and Chile joined Portugal and Mexico in the semifinals as the Confederations Cup group stage concluded on Sunday.
Germany claimed the top spot in Group B at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia in a confident 3-1 win over Cameroon in Sochi.
Chile came back from a goal down to salvage a 1-1 draw against Australia and qualify for the Confederations Cup playoffs from the second spot in Group B.
The group stages at the FIFA Confederations Cup conclude on Sunday, with Germany taking on Cameroon in Sochi and Chile playing Australia in Moscow in Group B.
Chilean and Australian football fans flooded central Moscow on Sunday as they prepared for their teams key Confederations Cup match at the Spartak Arena.
The Chilean fans expected their team to win, saying the country currently has “the best generation ever in all the history of football.”
Australians told RT that they will support their team “whether they are winning or losing” and hoped that the Socceroos could cause an upset.
24 June 2017
Russia national team manager Stanislav Cherchesov has taken full responsibility for Russia crashing out of its home FIFA 2017 Confederations Cup at the group stage.
“This is my mistake, I will take it upon myself,” Cherchesov told reporters during the post-match press conference at Kazan Arena, moments after his team was defeated by Mexico.
Portugal and Mexico qualify for the Confederations Cup playoffs after claiming the top two spots in Group A.
Portugal completed a solid run through the group stage of the FIFA Confederations Cup with a 4-0 win over New Zealand.
Mexico came back from a goal down to beat a ten-man Russian team 2-1, preventing the FIFA Confederation Cup hosts from qualifying for the playoffs.
The Russian team has been training at Kazan Arena ahead of its match against Mexico.
Group A leaders Mexico and the Confed Cup hosts, Russia, will meet at Kazan Arena on Saturday June 24 at 6:00pm local time (15:00 GMT). The match presents a chance for both sides to qualify for the semi-finals.
“The picture is clear: a draw would be enough for El Tri to advance, while Russia needs to win,” FIFA wrote in comments.
European champions Portugal are to meet New Zealand in St. Petersburg on Saturday. A draw will be good enough for the Portuguese team to guarantee a Confederations Cup semi-final spot.
Achilles, the “psychic cat” of the 2017 Confederations Cup, has seemingly predicted that Portugal will beat New Zealand in their Saturday matchup in St. Petersburg.
The deaf cat from the feline crew of the Hermitage Museum was supposed to choose between bowls of food marked with the flags of both countries, the museum’s vet, Anna Kondratyeva, told TASS. The furry feline apparently didn’t eat the food, but showed interest in the cup containing Portugal’s flag, she said.
23 June 2017
For all you need to know about tomorrow's key clash between hosts Russia and Mexico, read RT Sport's preview here:
We'll also be bringing you a preview of the Portugal-New Zealand game, so keep an eye out on the site for that.
That's all from our updates today, but we'll be back tomorrow from 17:30 with all the build-up to the Group A finale.
Meanwhile, Mexico have been preparing for their Kazan clash with the hosts. The Kazan Kremlin - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - can be glimpsed in the background.
RT Sport's Danny Armstrong is in Kazan ahead of tomorrow's Russia-Mexico game. He's snapped these pictures of the stunning Kazan Arena.
Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo says he's "ready" to take on New Zealand in St. Petersburg, although reports are the striker will be rested by manager Fernando Santos with one eye on the semifinals.
Russia have been training at Kazan Arena ahead of their crunch match against Mexico tomorrow. The hosts most likely need a win in order to progress to the semifinals.
Some of the game's finest veterans are appearing at Russia 2017. If you want to know more about the more senior players gracing the host cities, check out RT Sport's special feature here:
If you're suffering from football withdrawal symptoms, never fear - we have a quiz on the four host cities that will help pass the time before the next round of action tomorrow.
Test your knowledge on Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan and Sochi here:
Portugal's final group game opponents New Zealand have also been working hard in training. They have no chance of reaching the semifinals following their two defeats so far, but they will still be keen to put in a committed performance against the European Champions and perhaps even pull off a major shock.
Portugal have been going through their paces ahead of their final Group A game against New Zealand in St. Petersburg on Saturday. Ronaldo and Co. are looking good for a semifinal spot.
The German team are back in Sochi - where they played their tournament opener against Australia - ahead of their final Group B clash against Cameroon at Fisht Stadium on Sunday. The team need a draw to guarantee a place in the semifinals.
Today is a rest day for the teams ahead of this weekend's group stage finale. Here's a brief recap on yesterday's action in Group B.
In the first game in St. Petersburg, Cameroon and Australia played out a 1-1 draw. Cameroon's Andre Zambo gave his team the lead on the stroke of half-time, although the Socceroos came back in the second half, leveling through a penalty from captain Mark Milligan on 60 minutes. The result leaves both teams on one point going into the final round of group games.
In the second Group B game in Kazan, Chile and Germany also drew 1-1. Alexis Sanchez opened the scoring for Chile on 6 minutes, becoming the country's top scorer in the process. Lars Stindl equalized for Germany just before half-time, however, finishing off a fine team move. The result leaves the two teams at the top of the group on four points apiece.
22 June 2017
Kazan Arena is looking in tip-top shape for tonight's game between Germany and Chile. The stage is set for a cracking game between two true heavyweights of the game.
RT Sport will bring you a full match report on all the action right after the game, so keep a lookout on the site.
Hosts Russia have arrived in Kazan ahead of their crunch encounter against Mexico on Saturday. 'Sbornaya' have to win to reach the semifinals - nothing less will suffice for the hosts.
Check out RT Sport's match report on the Cameroon-Australia match here.
Meanwhile, the team news from Kazan is in ahead of the eagerly-awaited heavyweight clash between World Cup winners Germany and Copa America champions Chile.
Whoever wins that game is guaranteed a place in the semifinals.
All eyes now turn to Kazan, where Group B rivals Chile and Germany meet in their match, with kick-off at 9pm local time.
It's full-time in St. Petersburg, where it's finished Cameroon 1-1 Australia. That result does neither team's chances of reaching the semifinals any good...
Aussie skipper Mark Milligan has scored from the penalty sport on 60 minutes to draw his side level with Cameroon in St. Petersburg. Milligan converted the spot kick after the VAR confirmed that Alex Gersbach had been fouled in the box.
It's half-time in the game between Cameroon and Australia in St. Petersburg. After a largely uneventful half, Cameroon took the lead right at the end when midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa latched on to a long through–ball to lift the ball over Aussie keeper Maty Ryan.
Cameroon head into half-time 1-0 up.
Cameroon-Australia is underway at Saint Petersburg Stadium. Both teams need a win to keep their tournament hopes alive.
If you want to check out a preview of the Socceroos-Indomitable Lions game, read our article here:
Kick-off in the Group B match between Cameroon and Australia in St. Petersburg is just over 30 minutes away. The line-ups for that game have been announced.
Both sides lost their opening games, with Cameroon losing 2-0 to Chile in Moscow, while Australia suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of world champions Germany in Sochi.
21 June 2017
The lineups are in for that game, with just under 30 minutes till kick-off. RT Sport will bring you a full match report after the game.
Attention now turns to Sochi, where Group A teams Mexico and New Zealand are meeting, with kick-off at 9pm local time.
READ MORE: Mexico v New Zealand: Must-win Confed Cup game for All Whites & CONCACAF champs
Russia have fallen to a 1-0 defeat against Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the winning goal for the Portuguese on 8 minutes.
For a full match report, CLICK HERE.
RT Sport is starting its special coverage of the Russia-Portugal game in Moscow. For live updates on all the action, CLICK HERE.
Confed Cup and World Cup 2018 mascot Zabivaka the wolf will be there to cheer the teams on today.
Mexico are looking forward to their game at Sochi’s Fisht Stadium, which kicks off at 9pm local time.
Fans are already starting to gather outside Spartak Stadium ahead of the game between Russia and Portugal. There's just over two hours to go till kick-off.
Ronaldo has made an appearance at Red Square, although it not quite the Man.
Russian and Portuguese fans have been playing a friendly in Moscow – we’re not sure what the result was though…
Former Portugal and Barcelona star Simao Sabrosa is in Moscow for tonight’s game. He’ll be hoping his country can claim their first-ever win at the Tournament of Champions.
Today sees a big day of Confederations Cup games, with all the Group A teams in action.
Hosts Russia are taking on European Champions Portugal in Moscow, with kick-off at 6pm local time.
That’s before Mexico take on New Zealand in Sochi at 9pm.
We’ll bring you coverage of the build-up to those games.
20 June 2017
That's all for today from RT Sport's live updates on the Confederations Cup Russia 2017, but keep an eye out for all the news tomorrow ahead of a big day of matches, as the hosts take on Portugal in Moscow, and Mexico and New Zealand battle it out in Sochi on the Black Sea coast.
For some news on today's press conferences, check out our stories on Russian striker Fedor Smolov and Moscow city official Nikolay Gulyaev.
Smolov put in a man-of-the-match performance in the opening game.
Gulyaev was speaking on security ahead of next year's World Cup in Russia.
Portugal are being put through their paces at Moscow's Spartak Stadium ahead of their game against Russia tomorrow. Can Ronaldo and co beat the hosts?
Mexico have been taking a look at Sochi's Fisht Stadium before they face New Zealand tomorrow. 'El Tri' will be looking to go one better than their opening game draw with Portugal.
The Russian team have been checking out Spartak Stadium before their clash with European Champions Portugal on Wednesday.
The Portugal team are already in Moscow ahead of their clash with hosts Russia at a sold-out Spartak Stadium on Wednesday. Ronaldo looked popular with the fans when the team arrived...
New Zealand are in Sochi preparing for their must-win game against Mexico at Fisht Stadium on Wednesday. It looks like a warm but wet day on the Black Sea coast.
There's no Confederations Cup action today as the teams take a break after the first round of group matches. There's been some exciting action so far though, so here's a quick recap on what we've seen:
Hosts Russia kicked off the tournament with a comfortable 2-0 win against New Zealand in the opening game of the event in St. Petersburg on Saturday. An own goal by Kiwi defender Michael Boxall and a second-half strike by Russian striker Fedor Smolov gave the home team the kick-start to their campaign that they were aiming for. Read the match report here.
Sunday saw Russia's Group A rivals Portugal and Mexico meet in Kazan, in what turned out to be an entertaining draw. Potugal took the lead in the first half through Ricardo Quaresma after some wonderful play by captain Cristiano Ronaldo, although the European champions were pegged back when Mexico top scorer Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez scored a header just before the interval. There was a late flurry of goals in the second half when Portugal defender Cedric gave his team the lead on 86 minutes, only for Hector Moreno to equalize for El Tri in injury time. Read about it here.
The result puts the sides level on one point apiece, behind Group A leaders Russia, but ahead of the All Whites.
The next round of Group A games is on Wednesday, when Russia face Portugal in Moscow, before Mexico take on New Zealand in Sochi.
The Group B action also got underway on Sunday, when South American champions Chile played Africa Cup of Nations winners Cameroon in Moscow. Chile secured the win thanks to late goals from Arturo Vidal and Eduardo Vargas. Check out how the game unfolded here.
World champions Germany and Asian Cup winners Australia rounded off the first stage of action in Sochi on Monday, producing an exciting five-goal game. Germany took the lead early on through Lars Stindl, before Socceroos striker Tommy Rogic drew his team level on 41 minutes. There were more goals to come though, as German skipper Julian Draxler fired in a penalty on 44 minutes, and Leon Goretzka added to the German lead almost immediately after the restart. Tomi Juric dragged his team back into the game with his finish on 56 minutes, but Germany held on comfortably for a 3-2 win. Check out the full report here.
The Group B table looks like this, heading into Thursday's next round of games in the group -where Cameroon take on Australia in St. Petersburg, before Germany face Chile in Kazan.
19 June 2017
It's full-time in the Group B clash in Sochi - World champions Germany have got their Confed Cup campaign off to a winning start, defeating Australia 3-2 in an entertaining game.
There was some deabte as to whether the Australia goal would stand because of a suspected handball in the build-up. It went to the video referee (VAR), but the goal stands.
GOAL! Australia pull one back, it's now 3-2 to Germany.
Some stats on today's attendance at Fisht Stadium in Sochi.
Another quick strike! Germany lead 3-1.
The second half is underway at Fisht Stadium in Sochi. Germany leading Australia 2-1.
Half-time in Sochi: Australia 1-2 Germany.
It's all happening in Sochi! Germany have a penalty, which is converted by skipper Julian Draxler. Germany lead Australia 2-1.
Equalizer for the Socceroos in Sochi! Striker Tommy Rogic scores on 42 mins.
The German goalscorer was attacking midfielder Lars Stindl.
Well that didn't take long - Germany into the lead after 5 mins in Sochi.
The Group B clash between Australia and Germany is underway.
The results of our Twitter poll are in - a pretty overwhelming vote in favor of the world champs.
The German team are set for action...
Kick-off is not far away in Sochi.
Socceroos fans have been soaking up the atmosphere in Sochi ahead of kick-off.
Interestingly, the Socceroos are undefeated in their last two outings against Germany.
The team news in ahead of this evening's Group B clash between Australia and Germany in Sochi. Kick-off at Fisht Stadium is 6pm local time (15:00 GMT).
German coach Joachim Low has opted for a young squad in Russia, and his starting line-up is packed with exciting talent in the form of Julian Draxler, 23, Joshua Kimmich, 22, and Julian Brandt, 21.
Aussie boss Ange Postecoglou has several potential match-winners in his side, including midfielder Aaron Mooy and striker Tommy Rogic.
18 June 2017
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has arrived in Kazan for Sunday’s Group A match between Portugal and Mexico at the Confederations Cup
The FIFA Confederations Cup match between Portugal and Mexico in Kazan on Sunday will begin with a moment of silence for the dozens of people who lost their lives in a wildfire in Portugal’s Pedrogao Grande on Saturday.
RT talked to New Zealand fans in St. Petersburg, who said they have been impressed by the hospitality of the Russian people, despite reports in the media back home warning that a trip to the FIFA Confederations Cup could be dangerous due to hooligans.
In Group B, African champions, Cameroon, will take on Latin American representative, Chile, at Spartak Stadium in Russia’s capital, Moscow, at 9pm local time (16:00 GMT).
European champions, Portugal, and their biggest star, Cristiano Ronaldo, kick off FIFA Confederations Cup games on Sunday with a match against Mexico.
The Group A encounter will take place in Kazan in Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan at Kazan-Arena at 6pm local time (15:00 GMT).
Portugal is making their debut at the Confederations Cup, while CONCACAF’s top team, Mexico, will be competing in the tournament for their seventh time, an achievement only matched by Brazil.
17 June 2017
Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the importance of fair play and football’s role in “uniting countries and continents” during his welcoming comments ahead of the Russia-New Zealand inaugural game on Saturday.
“Hundreds of thousands of Russian people are in love with football,” Putin said, adding that he is sure that the tournament will be held “at the highest level.”
RT's Neil Harvey and ex-Premier League star Stan Collymore chatted with Zenit fans about the issues of racism and hooliganism in football, and the bias against Russia in the media.
Aleksandr, a devoted Zenit fan, said that the media treats Russia unfairly by portraying it as a place full of racial hatred and violence.
“It’s just the media, the news showing us nonsense really. We only don’t like our rival club Spartak. Everyone will be welcome at the World Cup,” he said.
Touching on Zenit ex-forward Hulk’s remark that he encountered racism almost in every game he played in Russia, Aleksandr said, “Everyone loves Hulk in our country, we’ve never had such a star player here.”
As for the racist chants, “there’s enough hooligans and fools everywhere,” he said.
Russia have beaten New Zealand 2-0 in the tournament’s opening game at St. Petersburg Stadium, to get their FIFA 2017 Confederations Cup campaign off to a winning start.
Spectators at the first game of the 2017 Confederations Cup included Russian President Vladimir Putin, FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and football legend Pele.
For Russia - New Zealand match live updates - follow our special 2017 Confed Cup project.
Team news – New Zealand
The All Whites have also gone with a 3-5-2 formation, meaning they have not come to shut up shop.
Tommy Smith of Ipswich Town in England brings experience to the back line, while they have exciting players in Ryan Thomas. Chris Wood will be the target man up front, while ‘the Kiwi Messi’ Marco Rojas also poses an attacking threat.
Team news – Russia
So it looks like Russia boss Cherchesov has gone for a more attacking line-up than for the last game against Chile. He’s gone with his favored 3 centre-backs with wings backs either side, although it looks like we’ll have 3 across the midfield, with Dmitry Poloz supporting Fedor Smolov up front. He’s opted for experience in choosing Yury Zhirkov at wing-back as well as Aleksandr Samedov. There’s some exciting young talent in the team with 22-year-old Aleksandr Golovin and 23-year-old defender Georgy Dzhikiya.
‘We can achieve something significant’ – NZ boss Hudson
Despite New Zealand’s underdogs tag, head coach Anthony Hudson says the team is not at the Confederations Cup simply to make up the numbers, and believes the team can achieve something significant.
Englishman Hudson, 36, today becomes the youngest-ever Confed Cup manager.
He says his team will focus just as much on posing an attacking threat, as opposed to simply trying to nullify teams.
He’s picked the brains of some of the world’s greats – including Jose Mourinho – in his quest to improve the NZ team, and Hudson is clearly a man going places.
Check out our interview with him ahead of tournament here:
He has experience in the ranks in the form of Shane Smeltz and Chris Wood (more on him later), and also has exciting young talent such as 22-year-old Ryan Thomas, who plays at PEC Zwolle in the Dutch Eredivisie.
Several of the team’s players are based at Wellington Phoenix, the country’s only professional team, which plays its football in Australia’s A-League.
Others are at clubs in England, the US, the Netherlands and Germany.
Meet the coaches – Stanislav Cherchesov
Russian head coach Cherchesov, 53, has the appearance of a real old-skool, no-nonsense type. During his playing days he was a goalkeeper for the USSR and Russian national team, while his managerial experience includes spells as Russian Premier League teams Spartak and Dynamo Moscow, as well as Polish side Legia Warsaw – who he guided to the league title in the 2015-2016 season.
He took over the reins as Russian national coach following the disastrous Euro 2016 campaign. An astute tactician, he’ll use the tournament with an eye on next year’s main event.
RT spoke to him ahead of the tournament – check out the interview here:
He’s had the misfortune of losing key players to injury in the run-up to the tournament – including striker Artyom Dzyuba, and midfielders Roman Zobnin and Alan Dzagoev – but will be confident his team can beat a lower-ranked NZ team.
Will we see the ‘haka’?
Will we see the ‘haka’?
Sadly, we won’t be treated to a pre-match performance of the iconic ‘haka’ performed by many of New Zealand’s sports teams, most famously the rugby All Blacks.
If you’re unfamiliar with one of sport’s most spine-tingling sights, check out the video here:
It’s probably just as well the football team don’t do it – a lot of opposition players would probably run a mile at such an intimidating sight.
Incidentally, the football team play in all white because of a former FIFA ruling that reserved the black kit for referees – we told you we’d be a font of footballing knowledge!
Saint Petersburg Stadium (Krestovsky Stadium)
The arena for tonight’s opening game is brand-spanking new, officially opening this year. It’s the new home of Russian Premier League team Zenit St. Petersburg, and holds 68,000 fans.
Despite a few issues with delays and a shaky pitch, it’s now looking in tip-top shape, ready for the Confed Cup and games at next year’s World Cup (don’t forget that the Tournament of Champions is something of a rehearsal for next year’s main event).
The final of this year’s tournament will also be held here on July 2.
For a unique look at all the stadiums for the Tournament of Champions, check out RT’s 360 Stadia function: https://www.rt.com/fifa2018/stadiums
RT Sport’s Danny Armstrong is in St. Petersburg for today’s opening game. Earlier he watched a game between New Zealand’s ‘Flying Kiwis’ fan group and some local supporters. The visitors claimed a pretty comprehensive 3-0 win – is that an omen for tonight’s game?
The Russia starting line-up has been announced.
Russia – hosts looking to get off to a good start
Russia had a pretty rough time of it at their last major tournament, departing from Euro 2016 in France at the group stage with just a solitary point.
Coach Leonid Slutsky left shortly afterwards, replaced by Stanislav Chechersov. The 53-year-old has set about rebuilding the team: gone are veterans such as Sergey Ignashevich, and Chechesov has brought in players who were previously on the fringes of the national team set-up, such as defender Viktor Vasin and striker Aleksandr Bukharov, or those who are getting a look-in for the first time, such as Rostov defender Fedor Kudryashov.
He’s also kept faith with established players such as goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev and has continued the development of youngsters such as Aleksandr Golovin and Aleksey Miranchuk.
As well as being a crucial test for the infrastructure and organizers ahead of the World Cup next year, the Confederations Cup will be a big test for the team.
Russia qualify for the World Cup automatically as hosts, meaning they are deprived of competitive football for the years leading up to the tournament. This will be a good opportunity for Cherchesov’s men to face some of the best in the world ahead of next year’s main event.
What to expect?
Over the next two weeks we’re set to see some of the best players in the world in action – including the man himself, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Past Confed Cup tournaments have featured legends of the game such as Brazil’s Ronaldinho, Denmark’s Michael Laudrup, the Czech Republic’s Pavel Nedved, France’s Thierry Henry – the list could go on.
The Tournament of Champions has also produced some absolute classic encounters in the past – the epic 4-3 win for Mexico over Brazil in 1999, for example – and is also known for throwing up shock results, like when the USA brushed aside European champions Spain 2-0 in the 2009 semi-final in South Africa, or when Australia stunned Brazil to claim third place in 2001.
Brazil have won the last three tournaments, but they aren’t here this time around. Who will step up to claim glory? We’re sure to see thrills and spills over the next two weeks in Russia…
With the opening match just over an hour away, here is a video of the New Zealand team arriving at the stadium in St. Petersburg.
What exactly is the Confederations Cup?
So, what exactly is all this Confederations Cup malarkey? For the uninitiated, here’s a (very) brief history of the tournament to give you some context:
• Started life in Saudi Arabia in 1992 as the King Fahd Cup
• Organized as a cup for FIFA’s continental champions
• FIFA took over the organization of the event in 1997
• Held every two years between 1997 & 2005, but then switched to every four years
• Brazil have won the event four times, France twice, and Argentina, Mexico and Denmark once each
• Now used as a precursor to the following year’s World Cup in the same country – Russia will host the 2018 World Cup
• This year’s competitors: Group A – Russia (hosts), New Zealand (Oceania champs), Mexico (Central/N. America), Portugal (Europe); Group B – Chile (S. America), Germany (world champs), Cameroon (Africa), Australia (Asia)
Got that? Good. But if you do want to know more, check out our fun flip-card history of the tournament here.
General information about host cities, stadiums, tickets, transportation, timetables and results for the games, the latest news, and other trivia info can be found on our special RT page here.
Achilles, the “psychic cat” of the Confederation Cup, seemingly predicted that Russia will beat New Zealand in their Saturday matchup in St. Petersburg. The deaf cat from the feline crew of the Hermitage Museum was selected to give “forecasts” on the results of cup matches earlier this week.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend the opening match, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters when asked if Putin was planning to visit the game.