Today, Thursday May 24 marks exactly three weeks to the start of the eagerly anticipated 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia in the European nation.
As of now, all the thirty-two nations have entered training camps to finalise preparations for the mundial. Countries will start engaging in international friendlies starting from the next international window.
In the meantime, the host nation is gearing up to warmly welcome all the incoming football fans and competing teams. The Russian national team briefly interrupted their training camp to greet their soon-to-be competitors in unique fashion: by dressing up in the playing kits of every country playing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and posing for a squad photo.
“We welcome all the teams who are coming here for the World Cup,” said goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, wearing the shirt of reigning world champions Germany.
“I think they’ll quickly be convinced that Russia is 100% ready for their arrival. Our country has staged plenty of major sporting events and important matches already. I hope every player, coach and fan enjoys Russia and its hospitality.”
“I hope everyone likes Russia,” added Sergei Ignashevich, who holds the all-time record for Sbornaya caps. “It’s summer here, the weather is wonderful and the people are friendly. I’m sure you’ll be happy, assured the defender.
Left sided midfielder/winger Aleksandr Tashayev who plays for Dynamo Moscow wore Nigeria’s Super Eagles outfit during the photo-shoot.
Hosts Russia will face Saudi Arabia in tournament’s opening game at the Luzhniki Stadium in the capital, Moscow on Thursday June 14.
