Putin 'proud' of Russia's handling of World Cup

President Vladimir Putin said Russia could be "proud" of its hosting of the football World Cup, judging it a success "in every respect" after final.

"We can surely be proud of how we organised this tournament," Putin said in televised comments after France's victory against Croatia yesterday.

"We have made this grand event a success in every respect," he added.

"We have done it for our supporters, for Russians who are passionate about sport and for all those who love sport across the world." Putin thanked the foreign fans who came to Russia for the tournament.

Before it started a month ago, there had been concerns due to the memory of violence between Russian and English fans during the Euro 2016 tournament in France.

Fans at this World Cup however "showed that sport and football can manage not to divide people and not lead to fights and disputes, but unite people on the basis of common values," Putin said.

"People tried to scare us by saying the English would come and commit hooliganism... But everyone behaved in a most exemplary manner."
"Both teams were magnificent... I am sure everyone liked the way they played, and so did I."