“[We have] great expectations [from the World Cup]. I think this tournament is very well organized, we can see that. Russia did a good job organizing everything, fantastic job. Great conditions, I would like to thank the organizers. I hope we can achieve our goals here,” Moutinho told journalists.

Reigning European champions Portugal will face 2010 World Cup winners Spain in Sochi on Friday, before playing Morocco and Iran in their other two Group B matches.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup will kick off with the match between hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia later on Thursday. The tournament will last till 15 July, with the games set to be played at 12 stadiums across 11 Russian cities.