"We're satisfied with the way the World Cup has been going and we're very grateful to all the participants, to the fans, the athletes, and specialists and coaches as well," Putin said.

He added that although Russians were supporting their national team, they were also sympathetic toward the other participants.

"Of course, the bitterness of defeat is unavoidable at a tournament like this. It appears when a team loses but it does not affect the overall festive atmosphere," the president said.

He added - incorrectly - that all the stadiums were full during the matches, and he was sure the upcoming match between Portugal and Morocco at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium would be no exception.