Sochi, Russia: FIFA boss Sepp Blatter on Monday hailed Russia's "five star" work to be ready for the 2018 World Cup while President Vladimir Putin vowed his country would not disappoint football fans around the globe.


Sepp Blatter 

The two discussed the tournament during talks on the sidelines of a sports convention in the Russian resort of Sochi. Russia's economic troubles and sanctions over Ukraine have clouded the preparations, but Blatter said "the economic problems will be overcome" and congratulated Putin on progress made on the 12 venues in 11 cities that will host the tournament, Tass news agency reported. "You and the steering committee deserve five stars," Blatter said, dismissing budget cuts made due to the economic crisis.