(KZN.RU, July 2, Alsu Safina). Russian footballers reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup, beating rivals from Spain in the penalty shootout the day before. Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, called this event a historical one today at the Business Monday. “We are very happy for our team”, he said and mentioned the fact that many of the titled teams, such as the national teams of Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Argentina, have already completed the championship.
The holiday of football continues in Kazan. The Argentine team lost to the French team at the “Kazan Arena” on June 30. The match of teams of Mexico and Brazil will be held today at 5 pm, the winner will hold a quarterfinal game in Kazan. Ilsur Metshin recalled that Mexican footballers had already played in Kazan last year at the Confederations Cup. “I would like to see the Brazilian national team now”, said the Mayor. Today Belgium and Japan will play in the second match of the 1/8 finals. As a result of these two matches, teams will be determined who will meet at the Kazan stadium on July 6.
“Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, says to the media and in personal conversations that the passing tournament is one of the best and unforgettable championships in the history of FIFA by organization, emotions, and energy. We hope that this holiday will change the perception of Russia by Western countries, as many people already say, not only fans, but also officials”, marked Ilsur Metshin.