Germany, Portugal avoid each other in Confed Cup draw

Kazan : World Cup holders Germany and European champions Portugal will avoid each other in the group stages of the Confederations Cup after Saturday's draw in Kazan.

Hosts Russia will come up against Euro 2016 winners Portugal, Mexico and New Zealand in Group A in the event billed as a warm-up for the World Cup to be held in Russia in 2018.

In Group B Germany are lined up against South American champions Chile, Australia, the Asian champions, and the yet-to-be-decided African champions.

The tournament kicks off in Saint Petersburg on June 17 and will end at the same venue on July 2. Matches will also be staged in Kazan, Moscow and Sochi.

Russia will take on Oceania champions New Zealand in the opening game before Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal face CONCACAF champions Mexico in Kazan a day later.

"We have a difficult group," admitted Portugal coach Fernando Santos, who assured that Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo will lead his team. 

"I'm sure Russia is among the favourites. As for us we are going to do our best and play with our best player, if he is fit of course and not injured."

The opening match in Group B will be played in Moscow at the home of Spartak Moscow and will see the Chile of Alexis Sanchez -- Copa America winners in the last two years -- meet the winners of the Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Gabon in January and February.

Australia, the 2015 Asian Cup winners, will be the first opponents for Joachim Loew's Germany in Sochi on Monday, June 19.

"It's an interesting group," said Loew.

"What we've seen here in the last few days makes you look forward to the Confederations Cup.

"The country has good stadiums and the people are very friendly towards their guests.

"We're looking forward to it and the Russians do not have to worry -- we will come with a good team."