Pitch concerns in Saint Petersburg
Russia’s dry run ahead of World Cup
The Confederations Cup offers Russia’s 2018 World Cup organisers the chance of a “dry run” ahead of next year’s finals – as well as the opportunity for further problems to be highlighted. The tournament takes place across four venues: Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kazan and Sochi.
There are, however, concerns about the Zenit Arena in Saint Petersburg, which will host the opening game and Final. The pitch has been relaid for a second time after it cut up badly during the two league games that Zenit have hosted since its opening.
Other concerns for the organisers include security and poor advance ticket sales.
THE TEAMS
European champions
PORTUGAL have dropped Eder and Renato Sanches, but included new Manchester City signing Bernardo Silva, who missed last summer’s finals through injury.
Hosts RUSSIA have doubts over the fitness of midfielder Alan Dzagoev, while coach Stanislav Cherchesov faced criticism for omitting the in-form Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder Igor Denisov.
MEXICO, the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup winners, will rely heavily on their Europe-based stars, with coach Juan Carlos Osario also preparing a squad for the Gold Cup later in July.
Oceania champions NEW ZEALAND will be captained by Cris Wood, the Leeds United striker who was top scorer in this season’s Championship, in the absence of regular skipper Winston Reid, who has a knee injury. World champions
GERMANY will take an experimental squad to Russia, with several key players rested, along with the injured Marco Reus. African champions
CAMEROON had several new faces in a 30-man preliminary squad, including striker Jean Pierre Nsame who scored 22 times for Servette this season. South American champions Kazan
CHILE aim to put their Socchi inconsistent form in World Cup qualifying behind them.
Asian champs AUSTRALIA prepared with a World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia and a friendly with Brazil.