Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Moscow, SANA- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday declared the FIFA World Cup 2018 opened.
“Russia has made preparations for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2018 with responsibility and did its utmost to make the fans enjoy the event,” Putin spoke at the opening ceremony of the Russian World Cup.
“Just stop to think: devout football fans number billions around the globe and this is not an exaggeration. Wherever we may live, whatever traditions we may follow, love of football unites us into one team. All of us share love of this spectacular, bright and uncompromising game, “the Russian President said.
“This unity, which no language, ideology or faith distinctions can overpower, is the source of the great strength of football and sport in general and of the strength of its humanistic ideals,” Putin added.
Following the opening ceremony, the first match of the Russian World Cup kicked off between host team Russia against Saudi team.
Shaza/Manal
