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Confederations Cup kicks off

Putin thanks FIFA for trust and cooperation

Published : 18 Jun 2017, 12:52

Updated : 23 Jun 2017, 01:35

  DF-Xinhua Report
FIFA president Gianni Infantino (L) talks to Russian President Vladimir Putin during the group A match between Russia and New Zealand of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in St. Petersburg, Russia, on June 17, 2017. Russia won 2-0Photo Xinhua

The FIFA Confederations Cup kicked off on Saturday in St. Petersburg.

More than 1500 artists took part in the opening ceremony, which was dedicated to the traditions, history, culture and nature of Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin watched the match between Russia and New Zealand and thanked FIFA for trust and cooperation during the preparation of the event that takes place one year before the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Russia beat New Zealand 2-0 thanks to an own goal from New Zealand defender Michael Boxall and a strike from forward Fyodor Smolov.