"It is good to be back to Russia. I have played for several years here and I have a lot of good memories. But all my thoughts are with Belgium now. It doesn't matter where the World Cup is held - in Brazil or in Russia. This does not put any pressure on me," Witsel said as quoted by the Belgian newpaper Sportwereld on Thursday.

The World Cup kicked off earlier on Thursday in Moscow with hosts Russia beating Saudi Arabia 5-0. The tournament will continue until 15 July, when the final is due to be played in the Russian capital.

Belgium were drawn to Group G along with Panama, Tunisia, England.