Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter said Wednesday that Russia's two wins in a row in their group-stage matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup were the best start to the tournament he had ever seen and that it was a "success" for the entire event.
Russia thrashed Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening game of the World Cup and beat Egypt 3-1 in St. Petersburg in their second Group A match on Tuesday.
"For me this was elementary, this was the best start ever, because it's my 11th World Cup. In ten of them I was in very actively, here I am a guest. But the first match of the host is important, and the second even more. Now it's all gone, it's success for the whole competition," Blatter said in an interview with the RT television channel.
Blatter arrived in Moscow on a private visit to "enjoy the World Cup," which kicked off on Thursday and will continue until July 15.
"After the victory of Russia, until 4:00am, it was impossible to sleep, but then it was good. It was wonderful to witness the second victory of the Russian team, now qualified for the next round. Everything is open now," Blatter said.
Russia are all but guaranteed a spot in the Round of 16 after picking up all six points and scoring eight goals and conceding just one in their first two matches.
Stanislav Cherchesov's men will next play Uruguay in Samara on June 25 in their final Group A game.
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