Putin's speech gave Russia 'great motivation,' says manager

The presence of Russia's controversial president Vladimir Putin helped spur the country's team onto victory over New Zealand in Saturday's Confederations Cup curtain-raiser, says team manager Stanislav Cherchesov.

Putin and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino addressed the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg from the VIP box when the players were lined up on the pitch before kick-off. It was a rather rushed affair, with Putin descending on his hometown's new $750-million venue by helicopter merely… #boston #mma #weightloss #nutrition #workout #p2 #clinton #basketball #basketball #sportsnews #goals #team #goal #livescore #baseball