Russia 2-0 New Zealand: Host Hopes To Emulate Brazil, Mexico, France As They Start-off In Grand-Style

Russia started-off their FIFA Confederations Cup campaign as host on a good note after beating New Zealand 2-0 in the opener at the St. Petersburg stadium. The host will be hoping to join the league of nations who have hosted and won the tournament, after Brazil did same in 2013 to win their fourth title of the second most prestigious FIFA tournament. Only three nations have hosted and won the tournament since its inception in 1992, and they are Mexico (1999), France (2003), while Brazil in 2013. They will have a three point advantage when they face European champions Portugal on June 21, 2017 at the Spartak stadium in Moscow, before they face Mexico on June 24 at the Kazan Arena stadium.