RUSSIA NAMES PRELIMINARY SQUAD

The Russian Football Union (RFU) on Friday published a list of 28 players selected to enter the preliminary roster of the national squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off next month in 11 cities across Russia. Before the 2018 World Cup begins on 14 June in Moscow, hosts Russia are set to play two friendly matches — on 30 May against Austria in Innsbruck and against Turkey here on 5 June. At the World Cup, Russia have been placed in Group A with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Uruguay, reports Tass news agency.