Host Russia sees off New Zealand in opener
ST. PETERSBURG (Reuters) – Host Russia eased to a 2-0 win over New Zealand on Saturday in the opening match of the Confederations Cup, a tournament seen as a test for the country before it stages next year’s World Cup.
Midfielder Denis Glushakov flicked the ball over goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic in the 31st minute as New Zealand defenders rushed back to try to clear it off the line. New Zealand’s Michael Boxall got a touch on the ball and was credited with an own goal.
Scoring chances came early for Russia, playing with confidence and unexpected flair, a powerful header by defender Viktor Vasin bouncing off the inside of the post before being cleared by New Zealand’s Michael McGlinchey.
Marinovic kept his team in the match early in the second half with back-toback saves, diving to punch away a header by Dmitry Poloz before scrambling to his left to smother a rebound attempt by Aleksandr Erokhin.
But weak defending allowed Russia’s Fedor Smolov to slip past the New Zealand defense and tap in a low cross by teammate Alexander Samedov in the 69th minute.
World champion Germany and the champion from FIFA’s six confederations are competing in the two-week tournament that will allow Russia to test its soccer infrastructure in four of the 11 cities hosting World Cup matches.
Russia, a record low 63rd in FIFA’s world rankings, faces Portugal on Wednesday, while New Zealand plays Mexico the same day.
Germany’s target is not so much the title as it is to develop young players with an eye on next year’s World Cup in Russia, team manager Oliver Bierhoff said on Friday.
Germany, which has sent a second string team to the tournament, was more interested in seeing its young squad play freely, Bierhoff told reporters in Sochi, Russia, a day after the world champion’s arrival.
“On a sporting level it is an important tournament where we can measure ourselves with other teams,” Bierhoff said. “The most important thing for us is to develop the players.”
He said he would like to see the young team gradually come together and deliver several candidates for next year’s squad that will defend their 2014 World Cup title in Russia.
Coach Joachim Loew has brought half a dozen newcomers into the team, resting several of his stalwarts including Manuel Neuer, Mesut Ozil, Marco Reus and Mats Hummels among others to have them fit for next year’s tournament.
“The competition will be extremely valuable for the development of the team and each individual player,” Bierhoff said.
“We represent German football here. That is not only the 20 world champions, but also others who have since joined us and we want to deliver a good performance.”
“The first priority is to develop the team and the second to win the title.”