"We trained for ten days before the match against Austria to improve physical condition. We felt better in the match against Turkey... I hope that we will be in the best possible shape in our first [World Cup] match," Ignashevich told journalists.

He added that international friendlies give sides the chance to practice playing styles and combinations, but the main team's task is to train as much as possible.

This summer’s competition kicks-off on Thursday June 14, with hosts Russia playing Saudi Arabia in the opening match on June 14 at the 81,000-seater Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Russia recently played two warm-up matches against Austria and Turkey, which they lost 1-0 and drew 1-1 respectively.