Russia reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991 before beating 2010 champions Spain on penalties in the round of 16 but lost to Croatia, also in a penalty shootout, in the last eight on Sunday morning.

“I cheered for our team with all my heart, as I always do. The entire country got a great amount of joy from watching our guys play, they fought on the pitch and proved that they really can play football. I am proud that Russia is hosting such a great event as the World Cup,” Nemov told journalists.

Russia is hosting its first-ever FIFA World Cup, with the final game set to be played at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on Monday.