SAINT PETERSBURG: Hosts Russia got off to a winning start at the Confederations Cup on Saturday (Sunday in Manila), Fedor Smolov’s second-half goal sealing a 2-0 win over New Zealand in Saint Petersburg in the tournament opener.

Russia went ahead in the first half of the Group A encounter through what was credited as an own goal from New Zealand defender Michael Boxall, and Smolov — top scorer in the Russian league last season — wrapped up the points in the 69th minute.

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