ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – What Vladimir Putin wants, Vladimir Putin tends to get.
The Russian president made it a national priority to win hosting rights for the 2018 World Cup in a fierce FIFA bidding contest seven years ago.
Associated Press: Russia delivers win for Putin to open Confederations Cup
Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses the crowds during the opening ceremony of the 2017 Confederations Cup group A football match between Russia and New Zealand at the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint-Petersburg on June 17.
