Moscow — Russia has boosted security and scrambled to finish an $800m stadium as it banks on the eight-nation Confederations Cup to demonstrate its readiness to host the 2018 World Cup. Russia will showcase four of its 12 World Cup venues in a two-week tournament kicking off on June 17 that will feature world champions Germany, the various regional champions and the host country. Russia, now a record low 63rd in the Fifa world rankings, have experienced upheaval with three managers in the past two years. But the country hopes to present itself as an able host in a far-flung tournament that will test the security and logistics of its soccer infrastructure. The tournament, to be held in Moscow, St Petersburg, Sochi and Kazan, is also meant to help ensure the 2018 World Cup in President Vladimir Putin’s Russia runs smoothly as he faces political isolation over the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria. Since clashes between Russian and English fans tarnished the European championship in Franc...
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