Russia hold Chile to 1-1 draw in Confederations Cup warm-up

Football Soccer - Russia v Chile - International Friendly - VEB Arena Stadium - Moscow, Russia - 09/06/17 - Chile's Mauricio Isla scores against Russia's Igor Akinfeev. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia held Chile to a 1-1 draw in a lively friendly on Friday as the teams warmed up for the Confederations Cup tournament that kicks off in St Petersburg next week.

Chile's Mauricio Isla opened the scoring when he fired past Igor Akinfeev 11 minutes into the second half from a ball floated into the area by Alexis Sanchez, who had just come on.

But Russia, who are using the tournament to prepare for hosting the 2018 World Cup, equalised with a header by defender Viktor Vasin in the 67th from a Dmitry Kombarov corner.

Football Soccer - Russia v Chile - International Friendly - VEB Arena Stadium - Moscow, Russia - 09/06/17 - Chile's players celebrate a goal against Russia. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

Both sides failed to take their chances in the first period, with Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal's headed effort disallowed due to a foul in the box just before the interval.

South American champions Chile are fourth in the world rankings, while Russia have slipped to a record low 63rd.

The two teams are in different groups in the eight-nation Confederations Cup, a two-week World Cup warm-up event starting on June 17 that features European champions Germany amongst the continental champions and host country Russia.

Football Soccer - Russia v Chile - International Friendly - VEB Arena Stadium - Moscow, Russia - 09/06/17 - Chile's Alexis Sanchez in action with Russia's Viktor Vasin. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

The Russians will face New Zealand in the opening match, while Chile play Cameroon in Moscow on June 18.

(Reporting by Moscow Newsroom; Editing by Ken Ferris)

Football Soccer - Russia v Chile - International Friendly - VEB Arena Stadium - Moscow, Russia - 09/06/17 - Chile's Alexis Sanchez in action with Russia's Denis Glushakov. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

Football Soccer - Russia v Chile - International Friendly - VEB Arena Stadium - Moscow, Russia - 09/06/17 - Russia's Denis Glushakov in action with Chile's Francisco Silva. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

Football Soccer - Russia v Chile - International Friendly - VEB Arena Stadium - Moscow, Russia - 09/06/17 - Russia's Viktor Vasin celebrates his score against Chile. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

Football Soccer - Russia v Chile - International Friendly - VEB Arena Stadium - Moscow, Russia - 09/06/17 - Russia's players celebrate a goal against Chile. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

Football Soccer - Russia v Chile - International Friendly - VEB Arena Stadium - Moscow, Russia - 09/06/17 - Russia's coach Stanislav Cherchesov reacts during the game. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov