FIFA's Chief Technical Development Officer Marco van Basten thinks Russia's performance at their home World Cup was "nice" for the development of football in the country.
The host nation reached the 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 quarters.
"I think Russia before the tournament didn't make a big impression to all the world of football, and still they went to the quarter-finals, which is very nice for the country, for football in Russia and for the whole tournament," said the former Netherlands star.
"Russia did a good job and were unlucky in the game against Croatia. They can be satisfied at least by being beaten by a country who have come to the final."
Speaking about the organisation of the tournament, he said that it was "wonderful."
"All the stadiums are very beautiful, the pitches are fantastic, the stadiums are full. It's been a wonderful event till now, no problems at all," van Basten added.
This year's World Cup will come to an end at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on Monday morning AEST, with France facing Croatia in the final.
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