“Good. The best. Top!” Lunev told journalists when asked to describe his team's manager in three words.

Russia thrashed Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the FIFA World Cup opener and went on to beat Egypt 3-1, but lost 3-0 to Uruguay in their final group-stage match, finishing second in Group A and advancing to the knockout stage of the tournament for the first time.

The team is currently preparing for their round of 16 match against Group B winners Spain that will be played at Moscow's 78,000-seater Luzhniki Stadium on Sunday.