The president had asked for more from his national team in the build-up to the Confederations Cup and Russia performed well in their opener
Under the watchful eye of Vladimir Putin - who arrived at the new Krestovsky Stadium in St Petersburg by helicopter 30 minutes before kick-off - Russia fulfilled their president’s wish that they play like “warriors” in their Confederations Cup opener.
No prizes are given out for beating New Zealand, but this was a far more encouraging display from Stanislav Cherchesov’s team than has come to be anticipated in recent times. Putin admitted that the country “expects better” from the national team and – one year out from the World Cup – there is little doubt that they need to improve their standing and fast before facing the best teams on the planet next summer.