FIFA World Cup 2018

Russia v Saudi Arabia: Pressure on hosts in World Cup opener

The hosts are somewhat ill-equipped to deliver the fireworks expected of such an occasion, having tumbled to an all-time low of 70th in the world ahead of a tournament that will be debated as much for events on the pitch as those that rumble on in the shadows.

Thankfully for head coach Stanislav Cherchesov, a former national team goalkeeper who was appointed to the top job in August 2016, the order of Group A fixtures has at least been kind.

Peru captain cleared for World Cup

The Swiss Federal Tribunal said in a statement on Friday (NZ time) that the 34-year-old would suffer "if he saw himself prevented from participating in a competition that will be the culmination of his career as a footballer, given that he did not act intentionally or with significant negligence."

Guerrero is now free to lead his country in their first World Cup appearance for 36 years. They face France, Australia and Denmark in Group C at the finals which start on June 14.

World Cup play-off shock as Sweden beats Italy

Italy, who have won the World Cup on four occasions, the last time in 2006, will be the most high profile absentee from the finals in Russia next year.

The result is a disaster for the Italian national team — which last missed the finals in 1958 — and for embattled coach Gian Piero Ventura, whose tactics and methods have been questioned by pundits and former players alike.