The FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 14 with a match between host nation Russia and Saudi Arabia. (CGTN graphics)
"I think as the host, our first priority is to do our best to put on a great show, to make it a fantastic festival for soccer fans from around the world. That is going to be our top goal,” said Russian President Vladimir Putin during an exclusive interview with Shen Haixiong, president of China Media Group, at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow on May 31.
The interview was done days ahead of Russian president’s scheduled state visit to China from June 8-10 to attend the Qingdao Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), his first visit to the country in his new presidential term.
The FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 14 with a match between host nation Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Russia is in Group A with Uruguay, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Regarding his expectations for Russia entering the tournament, Putin admitted they will not be favored to win, “But still, all the fans in Russia are looking forward to seeing the team try their best and fight till the end. We hope the team can deliver modern, fun and also fantastic games for the audiences," he said.
When asked about which team will claim the championship, Putin said it is hard to tell: “Several countries have a fair shot. For example, I think Argentina and Brazil from the Latin America Group both have a shot."
"Or maybe the German national team because they played very well in the last World Cup. The Spanish national team also has a chance. But the championship could go to someone else," he added.
Putin is expected to attend both the opening and closing ceremonies and watch the first game in person. He said he is looking forward to watching more games if his schedule allows.
Who is Putin’s favorite soccer player? Besides the great Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin, legendary Brazilian forward Pelé and Argentina’s greatest football player of all time Diego Maradona are his favorites.
Known as a sport enthusiast who spends his spare time riding horses, swimming, playing ice hockey and practicing judo, Putin said he still works out 2-2.5 hours every day, mostly in the gym or swimming, but practicing judo when there’s a trainer around. As far as hockey goes, Putin said he plays occasionally, but is “still trying to learn it.”
