Russia boss Stanislav Cherchesov has insisted that his team have won over the entire country with their performances during the World Cup.

The host nation bowed out of the tournament in the quarter-finals with a 4-3 penalty-shootout defeat to Croatia, but Cherchesov believes that his players earned the "love" and respect of the Russian public.

"We trusted ourselves. We could only prove our worth by working hard. I believe that people did not only start trusting us but they are in love with us," he told reporters during his post-match press conference.

"The entire country of Russia is in love with us. They know what the Russian national team is worth. We hope we have turned the situation for the better."

Croatia will play England in the semi-finals.

Written by
Mark Langshaw