"We want the [Russian] people to feel proud of their team. Despite the fact that I was 29 years old [during the previous World Cup], I worried a lot... Much depends on the mentality at such big tournaments. Four years on, I can say that I'm better prepared mentally," Samedov told journalists.

Russia will host its first-ever FIFA World Cup from June 14 to July 15, with the games set to be held in a total of 11 cities.

The host nation will face Saudi Arabia at Moscow's 81,000-seater Luzhniki Stadium on Thursday, before taking on Egypt and Uruguay in their other two Group A matches.