"They [the Russian national football team] have to fight, as there is the whole country behind them... I hope that our team will come out extremely brave, and there will be no injuries," Gergiev told journalists.

He added that he hoped to attend three or four World Cup matches.

"I want everyone to say that the World Cup is organized brilliantly," Gergiev said.

A gala concert celebrating the 2018 FIFA World Cup opening will take place on Moscow's Red Square later on Wednesday, with Gergiev, the Mariinsky Theater orchestra and renowned opera singers taking part.

The World Cup will kick off on Thursday and will last till July 15.