Russia 2-0 New Zealand: Hosts open up 2017 Confederation Cup with three points

It could have been uglier, but two goals were enough for the Russians

By Roger Gonzalez

Jun 17, 2017 at 12:16 pm ET • 1 min read

A goal in each half carried host Russia to a 2-0 win over New Zealand on Saturday in the Confederations Cup opener. Russia dominated the match, had nearly all of the chances and secured three points with a scoreline that could have been much worse.

With nine shots on goal, the first goal came from Denis Glushakov in the 31st minute with a nifty lofted shot after being sent through on goal:

There it is! Glushakov chips it over the keeper for the opening goal of the #ConfedCup! @Powerade #RUSNZL https://t.co/e1DT8UzCvk
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 17, 2017

New Zealand then improved a bit and was able to threaten through Ryan Thomas, but Russia was able to kill the match off in the 69th minute, with Fedor Smolov taking advantage of some horrendous defending by the Kiwis:

Russia doubles their lead!

Smolov starts the play and finishes at the back post to make it 2-0. @Powerade #RUSNZL https://t.co/BK90c2h2cW
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 17, 2017

The victory gives Russia three points in Group A ahead of Sunday's match between the group's other two teams, Portugal and Mexico.

As for New Zealand, with Mexico and Portugal remaining, their time at the tournament will likely end with the group stage.