"An important event for the whole country": Dyukov on the start of the Beach Soccer World Cup, the tasks of the Russian national team and thanks to FIFA

- How would you rate the organization of the Beach Soccer World Cup after the first day of its holding?

- This is a very important event for all football fans.

Beach soccer clearly demonstrates that you can play not only on a large grass field, but also in the hall and on the sand.

It is a very striking variety with a modern and dynamic look.

Congratulations to all the fans on the start of the championship.

If someone is not following him, I advise you to attend the matches in person or watch the broadcast on TV.

Believe me, you will have great pleasure.

This is an important event for the whole country, Moscow and the RFU.

We got the opportunity to once again confirm that we are able to host major sporting events at the highest level.

I have no doubt that we will be able to do it.

This is important because we are going to continue working on obtaining the rights to host other tournaments in Russia.

- Did you expect so many people to gather in the stands?

- I would like to note the traditionally high level of organization for events held in Russia and Moscow.

I certainly liked the atmosphere at the stadium.

For obvious reasons, there are attendance restrictions.

Tickets for the allowed quota were sold very quickly.

And the fans who filled the arena created an unforgettable atmosphere.

- How do you like the performance of the Russian national team in the opening match?

- It is always pleasant to win, even if in extra time.

We need to make allowances for the fact that this meeting was the first for our team in the championship.

To enter the tournament, you need to play a certain number of fights.

I am sure that Mikhail Likhachev's charges will gain momentum.

In general, it turned out to be a dramatic, entertaining game.

The main thing is that we won and took important two points.

- It became known that FIFA President Gianni Infantino will attend the final. Does this mean that beach soccer is slowly emerging from the shadow of the big one?

- It really shows the importance of this sport.

It may be less popular than its brother, but it deserves some serious attention.

After all, people do not always have the opportunity to play on the lawn.

Some have only sand under their feet.

Again, this is a spectacular view with its own technical and tactical features, acrobatic elements.

Take even the match between Russia and the United States.

In total, it took only 39 minutes of pure time, but it constantly kept absolutely everyone in the audience in suspense.

Returning to Infantino's visit, this also speaks of his attitude towards Russia, respect for our country and gratitude from FIFA for what we are doing to develop world football.

Among other things, we are talking about gratitude for hosting the 2018 World Cup.

- The Ukrainian national team refused to participate in the 2021 World Cup.

Could this team become a serious contender for Russia?

- We did not communicate with our Ukrainian colleagues.

There was a hope that they would come to Moscow and take part in the world championship.

Unfortunately, this did not happen, although we would be glad to see neighbors.

Alas, politics is increasingly interfering with football, which, of course, is a disadvantage.

I do not think that the refusal of this team will greatly affect the quality of the tournament.

Her place was taken by a strong and interesting Swiss team.

If we are talking about some kind of damage, then the blow was rather inflicted on the Ukrainian footballers.

They lost the unique opportunity to take part in such a serious sports event and a certain stage in their careers.

Finally, local fans were hurt.

- What bonuses can the players of the Russian team receive for winning the home championship?

- I think this question should be redirected to Alexander Aleksandrovich Alaev (the

head of the RFU passed the floor to the general secretary of the organization. - RT

).

Alaev:

The players of the Russian national team have bonuses for achieving success at the World Cup, but we will not disclose the amounts.

- You recently announced that the RFU is working to receive major international tournaments.

Do they generate any income or do you always have to spend more money on organizing them?

- No country in the world covers the costs of such events in terms of direct income.

But, of course, they have a positive effect on the tourism industry and attract additional attention.

The organization of major competitions contributes not only to the promotion of the image and reputation, but also to the popularization of the sport.

This is very important, and we need to work on holding as many significant tournaments as possible in Russia.

At the moment, we involve people in playing football and give emotions that are difficult to evaluate and calculate.

Have you ever played beach soccer yourself?

- Happened several times.

It was in Spain, but it's not that important.

It was not a playground for him.

The gate was smaller.

Five players on each side.

Basically, "beach" is about football.

If you have a ball and a desire to play, then you can do it even on the beach.

The first experience was difficult.

You need to get used to both the ball and the sand.

But it's fun.

I would call beach soccer no less gambling than classic soccer.

Then I got great pleasure.

If I had a regular opportunity to play, I would do it.

This sport certainly develops the skills that are needed in big football and futsal.

- At the home world championship, the Russian national team performs under the name "RFU" and without the country's flag.

How much does it affect?

- Of course, I would like to play under my own flag and be able to play the national anthem.

But the match with the USA was played under a different composition.

We have a lot of beautiful melodies that have a right to exist.

You and I are well aware that bans are temporary.

After a while we will hear our native anthem again.

- What tasks do the national team face at the tournament?

- Everyone knows that the Russian national team is a two-time world champion, and at the last world championship in Paraguay, it won bronze.

We have an experienced team.

We look forward to a successful performance.

The footballers and the coaching staff will do everything possible for this.