"We're ready to face a likeable New Zealand team but we expect a hard match (on Saturday)", he told reporters yesterday. It was their highest ever Federation Internationale de Football Association ranking, with their lowest being 63, which is also their most recent ranking of June 2017.

At the same time, Federation Internationale de Football Association technical director Marco van Basten told a news conference in St Petersburg that mobbing would be one of Fifa's first targets at the Confederations Cup which starts today.

Their group is completed by Portugal and Mexico, while the second group comprises Germany, Cameroon, Chile and Australia.

According to the draw, Group A includes Russia, New Zealand, Portugal and Mexico, Group B - Chile, Australia and Germany. The premiere game gets underway when Russian Federation takes on New Zealand.

Saturday 17 June: Russia v New Zealand, 5pm.

Days earlier, Putin had called for better results from the world's 63rd-ranked team to impress the Russian public.

The World Cup holders will provide the sternest of first-up tests for the Caltex Socceroos - even if this is a largely younger squad as they rest some key men.

In April 1996, the Federation Internationale de Football Association rankings displayed Russia as the third best-placed team in the world.

"I believe we will have the same team as we did in this game against Portugal".

The two now hope that the All Whites can manage to sneak through the intercontinental playoffs, and make it through to the Russian Federation 2018 World Cup.

Russia's dire record on racism in the stands has prompted a new anti-discrimination measure allowing referees to stop matches if needed. We are looking forward to it, we are not panicking, we are not anxious. The New Zealand side has drawn arguably the toughest group here, with each of their opponents having a lot to prove. Head coach Anthony Hudson of the New Zealand All Whites reacting during a Crusaders media session. The underdogs will rely on striker Chris Wood to lead what has been a defensive squad.

The Kiwis threatened only with back-to-back chances in the 78th minute: A powerful Ryan Thomas shot saved by Russian Federation captain Igor Akinfeev and Tommy Smith's header blocked on the line.

The eight-team tournament will put Russia's ability to handle thousands of visiting and home fans under the spotlight.

At Saturday's game there were two pre-game stadium announcements warning fans against discriminatory behaviour.

To watch this match online in the United States, you can stream it on the Fox Soccer Match Pass subscription service, or for free on Fox Sports Go depending on your internet provider.