Russian President names his favorite in world championship

Baku. 26 May. REPORT.AZ/ Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose country will host the World Cup starting June 14, said on Friday that Spain was one of the favorites to win the title.

Report informs, in an interview with Spain’s Agencia EFE, Putin praised the abilities of the Spanish national team, which won its first World Cup title in 2010. Putin said the goal in hosting soccer’s showcase event was not to improve Russia’s image globally but to modernize the country’s infrastructure for the benefit of future generations. “We want this World Cup to be a worldwide celebration and I think we’ll achieve that,” the president said.

Notably, the world championship will start on June 14. The games will be played at 12 stadiums in 11 Russian cities.