RUSSIA GLAD TO PRESENT ‘TRUE FACE’

THE Russian organisers of the 2018 World Cup believe the tournament has changed global perceptions of their country and boosted the nation’s belief in itself.

Speaking a day after FIFA president Gianni Infantino called Russia 2018 the ‘best ever World Cup’, the bosses of the local organising committee, chairman Arkady Dvorkovich and chief executive Alexey Sorokin, said they were thrilled with the feedback and proud of their team’s ‘perfect job’.

‘This World Cup has been truly successful — that is the opinion of everyone, the fans, players and other participants,’ said Dvorkovich, who was Russia’s deputy prime minister for six years until May.

‘Everyone involved showed our true face, that we are an open, welcoming country.’

Asked if the success of the World Cup will change Russia’s image abroad, Sorokin said: ‘We’ll see. I think the image is now closer to the reality.

‘Hopefully, we’ll continue to do the same things we’ve done during the World Cup and it will change Russia and change attitudes towards Russia.’