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Putin pledges a successful World Cup

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-12-03 15:32

Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin gestures during a news conference after the announcement that Russia will host the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Zurich Dec 2, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]

MOSCOW - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Thursday vowed to host the 2018 World Cup at "a worthy level".

Immediately after Russia was announced as final winner of the bid, Putin told media that "Russia knows and loves football, and our country has everything for conducting the 2018 World Cup at a very worthy level."

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Recalling a lot of things for Russia to accomplish, Putin said: "But that is where the challenge is. That was precisely the advantage of our bid because it means the development of world football, but it also means the development of the sports, road, transport infrastructure for our country, the infrastructure that will be used not only by footballers or sport fans, but all Russians."

Later in the day Putin will fly to Zurich to thank the FIFA executive committee members in person.

"I want to thank the FIFA executive committee for its decision, for trusting us to host the 2018 World Cup. This decision is in tune with FIFA's philosophy to promote football globally, especially in regions where it is most needed," he said.

Upon hearing the goods news, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also updated his Internet blog, saying: "Hurrah, we did it!"

After voting in Zurich earlier in the day, the FIFA executive committee awarded Russia and Qatar the rights to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups respectively.

The Russian bid includes 16 soccer venues in 13 cities, all in the European part of the vast country.