Russia beat Egypt 3-1 in St. Petersburg on Tuesday night to all but book a berth in the Round of 16, something the national team had failed to do in their previous three World Cup outings.

"I’m not a football fan, but now when Russia is my home, of course I follow the World Cup. Like many I’m a bit surprised how well they are doing in their first games. Now they obviously will go to the quarters or even further," Monson told journalists.

 Monson was granted Russian citizenship in May.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup will continue until July 15 with the matches set to be played at 12 venues across 11 Russian cities.